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INTllODUCTION. 



The following pages contain tlic testimonials 
of respect and affection, which were bestowed 
upon the memory of my beloved husband at the 
time of his decease, by friends who were so dear 
to him, and by the important institutions with 
which he was connected. In collecting them, I 
obey the dictates of a grateful heart, desirous to 
preserve in a more permanent form these expres- 
sions of the sentiments of the community in 
which he lived, affording as they do the highest 
proofs of his own excellence, and of the apprecia- 
tion of it, by those who knew him best. They 
give evidence that in all the positions in which 
he was placed, both in public and private life, 
he conscientiously performed every tluty ; while 



ii INTRODUCTION'. 

those, ^\\u) were still mure closely united to him, 
can bear ^vitness to his devotion, consideratcness, 
fidelity, and tenderness as a son, a brother, a 
friend, and a husband. 

I anxiously hope that, at some future time, the 
varied productions of his own mind may be col- 
lected for pro-orvation, for it may be justly said 
of my husband, that his own character is reflected 
in his writinu-^ — .•h-\nf(d as tliey are in thou<^lit, 
rich in inft)rmation, in language and style chaste 
and simple, with a purity of sentiment and deli- 
cacy of expression peculiarly his own. Those 
(pudities and nrcomplishments, which constituted 
the charm of his conversation and personal inter- 
coursp. n-nvp force and beauty to all that flowed 
from his ready pen. I cannot be mistaken in 
thinkinir, that a rollection of his historical com- 
positions, his occasional discourses, his memoirs of 
some of tlu^ most eminent of his contemporaries, 
and lii^ miscellaneous writings, would form a 



1 XTUO D UCTIO X. Ill 

liii'lilv valuable contribution to tlie literature of 
the country. 

The book-plate on the title-page of this volume 
"was used by Mr. Gilpin in his extensive library, 
and it shall be affixed to every volume which may 
be added to it while in my possession ; and I de- 
sire it may be used when his Library shall have 
been permanently placed under the care of the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, in conformity 
with his will. 

To his friends, among whom are names the 
most respected and best known at home and 
abroad, w-ho have given expression to their feel- 
ings in letters of sympathy, and furnished the 
contents of these pages, I now beg leave to return 
my grateful thanks for the tributes so feelingly 
paid to his honored and cherished memory. 

ELIZA GILPIX. 



C N T E N T 8 



TRIBUTES OF THE PRESS ^ 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF THE 

FINE ARTS "-' 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE COURTS AND BAR OF PHILADEL- 

•70 

PHIA - 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENN- 
SYLVANIA ^'^ 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SO- 
CIETY, AND ADDRESS OF MR. EDAVARD EVERETT . . 120 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND 

ADDRESS OF MR. WILLIAM B. OGDEN 11"^ 

ADDRESS OF MR. JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL BEFORE THE 

AMERICAN PHILOSOI^IICAL SOCIETY . -159 

LETTERS FROM MR. GEORGE GROTE AND MR. RICHARD 

COBDEN -"'^ 



TllIBUTES OF THE PTIESS 



A MEMORIAL 



OF 



HEMIY 1). GILPIN 



TKIBUTES OF THE PRESS. 

On the 3()th of January, 1860, the morning 
papers announced in the following articles the 
close of the useful career of the distinguished 
subject of the following memorial: — 



[Philadelphia Inquirer.] 

Henry D. Gilpin. — The death of this excellent 
gentleman, which has just taken place, is a private 
and a public calamity. The loss, it may safely be 
said, cannot be supplied. In all the relations of 



2 AMEMORIALOF 

life his deportment was amiable, and his conduct, 
as his friends who knew him best firmly believed, 
was fi*ee from all reproach. His departure from a 
sphere of duty and intercourse which he filled so 
long and so well, will be felt by a most extensive 
circle, where his merits were especially appreci- 
ated; and by the country at large, which had 
known and valued his various attainments. Edu- 
cated in early boyhood in Euf^^land, he came with 
his father's flunily to the United States, where, in 
different positions, he has passed an active and 
industrious life. After some years of practice at 
the Philadelphia Bar, he received the appointment 
of United States Attorney for the District of Penn- 
sylvania. He was thence invited to Washington 
as Solicitor of the Treasury, and not a great while 
afterwards became the Attorney-General of the 
United States. In all these places a high order 
of abilities was displayed by him, and his industry 
was indefatigable. He returned to Philadelphia 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 3 

with a competency fully earned and richly merited ; 
and he has continued, with the exception of a visit 
to Europe, to pass his time among the friends and 
companions of his youth, and in the midst of a 
most amiable family. 

Habits of industry were not abandoned by him 
with public life. His mornings were for the most 
part passed in the midst of a large and valuable 
collection of books which formed his extensive 
library, selected almost entirely by himself. Por- 
tions of his day were given to social intercourse 
and to the practice of a generous hospitality. 

A frame, naturally not robust, did not receive 
the relaxation and exercise which it needed. Al- 
though many years from the approach of advanced 
age, he was not inaccessible to infirmity of body, 
while his mind was always clear and vigorous. 
With everything about him to render life happy 
to himself, to his family, and his many friends, he 
gradually yielded to the influences of insidious. 



4 AlIEMOKIALOF 

and, at Icngtli, complicated disease, the effects 
purely of want of constitutional strength, and of 
watchful exercise. "SMth little in the progress of 
his maladies to afford hope to his anxious friends, 
he sunk gradually from feeble health to positive 
debility, and at length yielded up his spirit this 
morning at rather an early hour, breathing only 
kindness and good- will, and having little to regret 
and everything to hope for, as the reward of a 
life filled with nothing but peace and good-will. 

In his manners, Mr. Gil[)in was amiable and ac- 
complished. In his knowledge, he was well read 
and diversified. In his feelings, as kind as ever 
human heart was formed for friendship and affec- 
tion. A fine writer and an eloquent speaker, 
courteous in all the relations of life, firm and 
gentle, just and honorable in his dealings, always 
ready to do a kindness, and never disposed to 
wrong or injure, a ripe scholar, and an accom- 
plished gentleman, he was respected and esteemed 



HENRY D. GILPIN 



with a devotion and sincerity which will only be 
equalled by the sorrow with which he will long 
and deeply be lamented. 



[NonTH American a\d United States Gazette.] 

Death of Henry D. Gilpin. — We are greatly 
pained, as will be this whole community, to learn 
that this worthy gentleman and accomplished 
scholar died yesterday morning. He had been for 
some time in declining health, but was not thought 
to be in immediate danger. The proximate cause 
of his demise was an affection of the throat. 

Mr. Gilpin was born in 1801, and took his de- 
gree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1819. 
In 1832 he was appointed Attorney of the United 
States for rennsylvania ; in 1837, Solicitor of the 
Treasury of the United States; and in 1840, At- 
torney-General for the same great confederacy. 
For some time, and most deservedly and well, he 



1* 



6 A M E il O R I A L O F 

filled two honorable and responsible positions — 
the Tresidency of the Pennsylvania Academy of 
the Fine Arts, and the Vice-Presidency of the 
Historical Society. In each of these Institntions 
the loss of his knowledge, liberal spirit, and cul- 
tivated taste, will leave a great and lamented 
vacuum. But not only have learning, literature, 
and taste at large lost one of their most distin- 
guished ornaments and supports, but his brethren 
of the legal profession arc deprived of one who has 
contributed largely to their treasures. In 1S3T he 
published Reports of the cases tried in the District 
Court of the United States for the Eastern District 
of Pennsylvania. The able decisions of Judge 
Hopkinson filled the larger portion of this volume, 
and it is justly said that ^Ir. Gilpin gave admira- 
ble summaries of the facts in each case, and pro- 
duced a work of high character. In 18-41 he 
issued, in two volumes, octavo, the Opinions of 
the Attorneys-General of the United States, from 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 7 

the origin of the government to the year of the 
publication. This work, also, was declared by 
high authorities to be of exceeding interest, and 
in every way a fitting monument to the reputation 
of the distinguished men who have successively 
filled that office. Our civilians, or we may better 
say, all who take an interest in the origin, theory, 
and operations of this great government, are in- 
debted to him for his supervision, under the 
authority of Congress, of the puWication of a 
large portion of the invaluable treasures left us 
in the papers of James Madison. 

Mr. Gilpin was also a prominent and skilful 
reaper in the fields of general literature. From 
1826 to 1832 he edited or wrote much both in 
prose and verse, for the Atlantic Souvenir, the 
first literary annual published in America, and 
which, being good in itself, was the cause of a 
flood of annuals, which finally all died from their 
own excessive numbers. He wrote many articles 



3 AMEMORIALOF 

Oil politics and general literature for the American 
Quarterly/, the Democratic, and the Xorth Ame- 
rican Reviews. lie wrote very many of the 
Biograpliies of the Signers of the Declaration of 
Independence, and the second edition of those 
biographies was revised, enriched, and edited by 
him alone. Biographical notices of Livingston, 
AVriglit, Forsyth, Poinsett, and other statesmen 
witli wliom he was associated and familiar were 
prepared by liim. He was often called on to de- 
liver addresses before various scientific, literary, 
and irsthctical societies; and those addresses being 
distinguished for that elegant and liberal know- 
ledge which caused the selection of their speaker, 
were widely diffused and as widely appreciated. 

The above are all the material facts we have to 
notice in the life of this finished gentleman and 
scholar. The career of one who makes himself a 
thorough master of the old languages and works 
that remain embalmed and immortalized in their 



HENKY D. GILPIX. 9 

own perfection, and who devotes the rest of liis 
life to the study, ehicidation, and diffusion of the 
great principk^s of law and government, with the 
exception of some stolen hours assigned to the 
culture of all that is choice in literature or elegant 
in art, must necessarily be devoid of stirring inci- 
dent. But Philadelphians will long regret the 
loss of one who had the faculty and the will to 
disseminate the results of his own fine acquire- 
ments, and whose ample means were liberally cm- 
ployed not only in developing literature and the 
arts among us, but in extending to visitors a 
generous and elegant hospitality. Mr. Gilpin 
collected and has left a library which any scholar 
would be glad to inspect, and overjoyed to possess. 



10 A MEMORIAL OF 



[Pexxsvlvaman.] 

Death of Henry D. Gilpix. — We arc x:)ained 
to announce the death of another prominent and 
distinguished citizen. Henry D. Gilpin died yes- 
terday, in the fifty-ninth year of his age. The 
sad announcement will cause a feeling of wide 
and deep regret, for few men have been more 
widely known or universally esteemed for the 
possession in their fulness of all those qualities 
whifh distinguish the man of quiet labor and 
constant but unostentatious usefulness. Mr. Gil- 
pin was a man of the strictest probity and of 
marked unselfishness. Bred to the bar, and of a 
quick perceptiveness, he early acquired a high 
reputation for legal learning, and discharged the 
duties of several highly responsible positions witli 
masterly ability. AVith talents of a high order 
tliat justly gave him pre-eminence in his profes- 
sion, he had little taste for worldly applause; but 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 11 

in every benevolent or public enterprise where la- 
bor was to be performed or sacrifices imposed, he 
was among the first and freest; and not a few of 
our public institutions owe a large share of their 
success to his almost lavish contributions, his clear 
knowledge, his finished scholarship, and his con- 
stant, persevering efforts. Art and learning had 
no more devoted or willing friend among us. He 
was a man of ardent friendships, and of large and 
genuine benevolence of heart; and enjoyed in a 
rare degree the confidence and warm regard of an 
extended acquaintance both in public and private 
life. 



12 A MEMORIAL OF 



[The Puess.] 

Henry D. Gilpin. — This distinguished gen- 
tleman, whose dciitli wo briefly announced on 
Monday morning, occupied a very high social po- 
sition in our city, and was at one period promi- 
nently identified with political events of the mosf 
important character, ^slr. Gilpin was a native of 
Philadelphia, born in the year 1801. His ances- 
tors removed to Pennsylvania at about the time of 
the establishment of the colony of ^Villiam Penn, 
settling: first on the banks of the Prandvwine, near 
the boundary of Pennsylvania and Delaware. His 
grandfother removed to Philadelphia in the year 
1740, and was an intimate friend of Dr. Franklin. 
His father, Mr. Joshua Gilpin, was for a considera- 
ble period an eminent merchant of this city; but 
some time before the close of his life, removed 
to the State of Delaware. Henry D. Gilpin re- 
ceived the rudiments of his education at a Phila- 



HENRY 1). GIL I' IN, 13 

(Iclphia grammar school, and at the age of fifteen 
entered the University of Pennsylvania, at which 
institution he graduated with the highest coUe- 
o-iate honors in 1819. lie then commenced the 
study of the law in the office of Mr. Joseph R. 
IngersoU, and was admitted to the Philadelphia 
har in 1822. By his diligence as a student, and 
talents as a lawyer, he gradually increased his 
standing at the bar until the year 1830, when his 
successful management of a case arising out of a 
difficulty between two Portuguese ministers, ac- 
credited by two different claimants to sovereign 
power — which involved many important interna- 
tional questions, and which, after being tried in the 
Circuit Court of Philadelphia, was carried up to the 
Supreme Court of the United States — established 
his legal reputation upon a firm basis, and secured 
for him the warm friendship and liigli regard of 
the President of the United States at that time, 
General Jackson. In the following year, 1831, 



14 A M E M O R I A L O F 

Ml". Dallas, wlio tlicn held the office of District 
Attorney of the United States at Philadclpliia, was 
chosen United States Senator, and !Mr. Gilpin was 
immediately appointed to succeed him as District 
Attorney. This office he held for more than five 
years, discharging its duties with great ability. 
During this period he also acted in another im- 
portant capacity, as he was appointed by General 
Jackson in 1833 one of the Government directors 
of the Bank of the United States. This position 
Avas a particularly trying and onerous one. The 
current of public sentiment in Philadelphia at that 
period was strongly in favor of the bank, and in 
opposition to the policy General Jackson had 
adopted. Yet iSIr. Gil])in, acting under a high 
sense of duty, and prompted by a warm attach- 
ment to the brave old hero of the Hermitage, and 
to the policy of the Democratic party of that era, 
continued, with untirini;: vigilance and unbendiu": 
perseverance, to untagoni/e the controlling spirits 



H EX K Y D. G I L PI N. 15 

of the bank, and to assist General Jackson in his 
efforts to suppress it. 

During the whole of General Jackson's admin- 
istration, Mr. Gilpin was one of its most uncom- 
promising supporters in this locality, and by his 
frequent contributions to the Democratic press of 
that day, and by the aid of his vigorous pen in the 
preparation of numerous addresses to the Demo- 
cracy of the State, he did much to create the 
strong current of popular feeling which sustained 
General Jackson in his trying contests. On the 
expiration of the first term for which Mr. Gilpin 
had acted as a Government director of the Bank 
of the United States in 1834, General Jackson 
nominated him for a second term, but this nomina- 
tion was rejected in the Senate by a majority of 
four votes. Jackson sent to the Senate a renomi- 
nation, which was also, of course, rejected. 

In the autumn of the same year, as an addi- 
tional mark of his regard, General Jackson ap- 



16 A M E M R I A L O F 

pointed Mr. Gilpin Governor of the Territory of 
Michigan, a post which had become vacant by the 
death of General George B. Porter, and this nomi- 
nation was also rejected by the Senate, simply on 
account of the strong partisan feelings engendered 
by ^[r, Gilpin's rigid course on the bank question, 
and without any pretence of unfitness, or of per- 
sonal objections of any kind wliatever, by a majo- 
rity of one vote. The injustice of this rejection, 
and the vindictive spirit of persecution it evinced, 
were bitterly denounced by the Democratic press 
of Pennsylvania at the time, and at tlie following 
session of the same Senate, that body, acting under 
a hii^her sense of dutv, made the amende hononihle 
by a unanimous confirmation of the reappointment 
of Mr. Gilpin to tlie District Attorneyship of 
Pennsylvania. 

In tlio month of May, of lS:n, shortly after the 
elevation of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidential 
chair, he tendered to Mr. Ciilpin the office of So- 



HENKY D. GILl'IN. 17 

licitor of the Treasury, which that gentleman 
accepted, and at once removed to Washington. 
Several important questions arose during his con- 
tinuance in this office, which he discussed with 
masterly ability, and which were finally settled in 
accordance with his suggestions. 

In 184:0 a vacancy was created in the office of 
Attorney-General of the United States by the re- 
signation of Felix Grundy, of Tennessee, who had 
been elected a United States Senator from that 
State, and Mr. Gilpin was appointed to this posi- 
tion by President Van Buren. He thus attained, 
when less than forty years of age, one of the most 
honorable and important offices in the government. 
During liis term of Attorney-General, a large 
number of important cases demanded his atten- 
tion, but he was equal to every emergency, and 
greatly increased his professional reputation by the 
ability thus displayed. Mr. Gilpin was a devoted 
friend of Mr. Van Buren, and since the culmina- 



18 A ^I E .M O R I A L F 

tiou of the political fortunes of that statesman, 
which occuiTed after his defeat, in 1840, never oc- 
cupied a very prominent political position, but he 
assiduously devoted himself to literature, and to 
the diffusion of an elegant hospitality. When 
quite a young man he completed the biography of 
the signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
He was also a prominent contril)ntor to the Ame- 
rican Quarterljj Recfcir, the publication of which 
was commenced in Philadelphia in 18-29; and to the 
Democratic Review, and was the author of many 
public addresses and miscellaneous literary produc- 
tions. He also prepared the " Madison Papers," 
which wore published under the auspices of Con- 
gress, and performed this duty with such fidelity 
that INIr. Bancroft warmly applauded liis labors. 

Mr. (iilpin also acted, during his useful life, as 
President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Pine 
Arts, as Vice-President of the Historical Society, 
and as Director of (iirard College. He was one 



H E N K Y D. G I L P 1 N . 19 

of the most polished gentlemen we have ever 
known, and to an intellect of a very high order 
nnited a kind heart and an amiable disposition, 
which endeared him to all who liad the good for- 
tnne to be ranked among his friends. By his 
death Philadelphia has lost one of her most esti- 
mable and talented citizens. 



v 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF THR 



PENXSYLVAMA ACADEMY OF THE FINE ARTS. 



PENNSYLVANIA ACADEMY OF THE 
FINE ARTS. 

I'liii.ADKi.iMii.v, Feb. 4, IbGO. 

Mrs. Henky D. Gilpin. 

My Dear INIadam: 1 have a melancholy duty to 
perform, in presenting you with the accompany- 
ing proceedings of the Board of Directors of the 
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. 

Although Mr. Gilpin was no longer officially 
connected with our institution, at the time of his 
death, yet he was held in too high estimation by 
his late Associates, not to render it incumbent 
upon them to record, upon its earliest announce- 
ment, the expression of their unfeigned regard 
for his memory, and their fervent regret at that 
dispensation of Providence, which had, in the 
midst of his usefulness, deprived us of a beloved 



24 A :M E M O R I A L F 

friend, tlie community of a most estimable citizen, 
and his family of a devoted member. 

^Ir. (jiilpin, after an interre,<i:nnm of some years, 
occasioned by his temporary removal from the 
city, rejoined the Board of Directors on the same 
day with myself, both being elected to fill vacan- 
cies which had previously occurred therein. This 
Avas in the year 1841. Since that period, with a 
slight exception, we sat side by side, in mutual 
efforts (whilst co-operating with our colleagues) to 
promote the success of our institution. As I was 
seldom absent from the meetings of tlie Board, 
my opportunities were favorable for witnessing 
the character and extent of the services which 
Mr. Gil[)in rendered. These were many, and of 
signal advantage to it. There was no occasion, 
during this long period, on whicli he was not 
ready to labor for th(> welfare of the Academy; 
and tlie prompt and graceful manner in which 
every duty was i)erformed hv him. auii^mented its 



HEXRY D. GILPIN. 25 

value, whilst the personal regard of his associates 
was, chietly through this instrumentality, ripened 
into warm and enduring attachments. 

You are aware how reluctantly the Board parted 
with their late President, and how much their 
sensibilities were awakened when he announced 
that his retirement was on account of declining 
health. You are also aware how earnestly we be- 
sought him to relinquish his intention, as well for 
his own sake as ours, and what personal appeals 
were made to him to consider whether in the step 
he was taking he was not rather likely to do him- 
self more bodily injury than benefit. 

Mr. Gilpin's pure and blameless life has been 
suddenly arrested, but he has left us many plea- 
sant memories to dwell on, and a bright example 
to imitate, in all those virtues which render men 
worthy of the public esteem during this existence, 
and in fitting them for another and a happier 
home when their earthly career shall have termi- 



I 



26 A M E M O R I A L O F 

natctl. I need not assure you, my dear madam, 
of the profound sympathy felt for you by the 
Board of Directors in the irreparable loss that you 
have experienced. They all feel most keenly your 
affliction, whilst it is their united prayer that 
througli those consolations which are ever mingled 
in the cup of bitterness, and which a Christian 
heart like your own can appreciate, you may be 
sustained, so that your remaining years shall, not- 
withstanding your present calamity, prove an un- 
alloyed blessing to you. 

1 am, with the sincerest respect and 
esteem, 'Yours truly, 

C. COPE, 

Pi-es't Penn'a Acadcmv of the Fine Art>. 



At a special meeting of the Board of Directors 
of the Tennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 
held on the 31st January, ls(;(). the following 
resolutions were unanimously adopted: — 



H EN K Y D. G I LP 1 N. 27 

Resolved^ That this Board have heard with the 
deepest sorrow, the announcement of the deatli of 
Henry D. Gilpin, long connected with this insti- 
tution, and for many years its presiding officer. 

Resolved., That the members of this Board che- 
rish a very lively and grateful remembrance of the 
services rendered to this institution by the de- 
ceased, of his amiable deportment and gentle man- 
ners, of his uniform suavity and kind bearing, and 
of his unwearied and efficient efforts in the cause 
of human improvement, whether illustrated in his 
labors whilst officially connected with the Acade- 
my and in its behalf, or by his eminent services in 
other and not less distinguished spheres of duty. 

Resolced, That this Board feel that a serious 
void has been created in the business and social 
circles to which tlie departed belonged, and which 
he adorned by his shining talents, pure and ele- 
vated character, refined tastes, genial disposition, 
and liberal hospitality. 



28 A MEMORIAL OK HENRY D . G I I. P I N . 

Resolved, That tliis Board, as a further mark of 
respect and esteem for tlio memory of tlieir late 
lamented friend and associate, will attend his 
funeral in a body. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions, at- 
tested by the President and Secretary, be trans- 
mitted to the bereaved wife of the deceased, 
accompanied by the tender of the sincerest con- 
dolence of the Board in her severe affliction. 

C. COPE, President. 
Attest: John T. Lea^s, Secretary. 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF TEIE 



COURTS AiND BAR OF PHILADELPHIA. 



3* 



I 



THE PITTLADELrHIA BAR. 

Mrs. Henry 1). Gilpin. 

Madam: The undersigned, a Committee ap- 
pointed for tlie purpose at a meeting of the Bar 
of Philadelphia, have the honor, after a brief de- 
lay, which was thought due to your feelings, to 
inclose herewith the resolutions, unanimously 
adopted by his late associates, on the occasion of 
the lamented death of INIr. Gilpin. 

They ask most respectfully and with the pro- 
foundest sympathy, Madam, in your grief, permis- 
sion to lay them before you, and they have the 
honor to assure you of their high consideration in 
subscribing themselves, Madam, 

Your very obedient and humble servants, 

W. M. MEREDITH. P. M'CALL. 

JAMES PAGE. G. M. WHARTON. 

J. RAXDALL. BENJAMIN RUSH. 

C. INGERSOLL. ST. GEO. T. CA^[PBELL. 

IS. HAZLEHTJRST. B. GERHARD. 

CHARLES J. P>inDLE. 
Phila., March 2, 1860. 



32 A M E M R I A L F 

At a m'eeting of tlie members of the Philadel- 
phia Bar, held in the Circuit Court Room of the 
United States on the thirty-first day of January, 
A. D. 1860, Mr. William ]M. :Meredith presided 
and Mr. James Page acted as Secretary. 

The following resolutions, offered by Mr. Josiah 
Randall, were unanimously adopted after addresses 
by that gentleman, Messrs. Benjamin Rush, and 
Charles Ingersoll. 

Resolved, That the members of the Bar of Phi- 
ladelphia assemble this morning, with feelings of 
unfeigned sorrow, to manifest their respect and 
esteem for the memory of their departed brother, 
Henry D. Gilpin. A life of purity has been ter- 
minated without having reached the limits of old 
age, and the friends of the deceased, in common 
with the whole country, are called upon to mourn 
the departure of an associate and a distinguished 
fellow-citizen at a period when, if life and health 
had been prolonged, ho might for years have been 



HENRY 1). GILPIN". 38 

cherished by both as an ornament to society and ;i 
treasure to the nation. 

That he discharged arduous and responsibk^ 
duties under the government of the United States, 
ending with the high office of its Attorney-Gene- 
ral, with eminent fideUty and ability. As a pri- 
vate gentleman and a professional man, he was 
always courteous, correct, and amiable; and in all 
the relations of life he was consistent in good 
conduct, and exemplary in social, professional 
and political intercourse. 

That his attainments as a scholar were rare; 
his devotion to duty of every kind was never fail- 
ing, ardent, and indefatigable; while gentleness 
of manner, the mirror of a benevolent disposition, 
attracted corresponding good-will from all, and a 
bearing always kind, was welcomed and recipro- 
cated by universal kindness in return. 

That the career of Mr. Gilpin has been such as 
to invite the imitation of the young and respect 



34: A M E M O R I A L O F 

from the mature in life. His part was well per- 
formed, with rectitude and honor; and the name 
which he has bequeathed without a stain, will be 
held in recollection of esteem and gratitude. 

That sympathy for his loss suggests the pro- 
priety of communicating these resolutions to his 
afflicted family. It is therefore, 

Resolced, That a committee be appointed to 
carry that melancholy duty into effect, and to 
make public these proceedings as an earnest tes- 
timonial of the sentiments of the meeting. 

The Chairman appointed on the above Commit- 
tee Messrs. Josiah Kandall, Charles Tngersoll, Isaac 
Hazlehurst, Peter M'Call, George ^NI. Wliarton, 
Benjamin Rush, St. Geo. T. Campbell, Benjamin 
Gerhard, and Charles J. Biddle. 

On motion, the Chairman and Secretary were 

added to the Committee. 

W.M. M. MKRKDITII, Prcs't. 
.Iamks I*aue, Sec'rv. 



II E X RY T). r, I L I' 1 X. 35 



ADDRESSES AT THE MEETING OF THE ]]AU. 
REMARKS OF MR. JOSIAH RANDALL. 

Ill com})liiiiice ^vith the request of those gentle- 
men who have made the preliminary arrangements 
for the present meeting, I offer for adoption the 
resolutions, which have been prepared for your 
consideration. But before doing so, I will submit 
a few remarks: — 

Mr. Gilpin was no ordinary man. In the year 
1820 he entered upon the profession of the law, 
and shortly after took an active part in the public 
concerns of the country. He rose gradually, step 
by step, until under Mr. Van Buren's administra- 
tion, he arrived at the highest professional post in 
this country — the Attorney-General of the United 
States. During his official career in this station, 
he competed with the most able advocates of the 



36 A MEMORIAL OF 

nation, sucli as Webster, Choate, Clay, Johnson, 
Nelson, and others; and in tliis conflict of mind 
he gave fresh pledges of his superior intellect and 
general research. lie was probably, with one ex- 
ception (Mr. Everett), in diplomacy the best edu- 
cated statesman in our country, and his large mass 
of learning was always at the service of his friends. 
He was mild and amiable, but in the performance 
of his public duties he was inflexibly honest and 
upright. During the last term of General Jack- 
son's administration it is well known that it fell 
to his lot to perform a most arduous and perilous 
public duty. In doing so, he encountered local 
pride and public prejudice to an almost unlimited 
extent. Brave when his rights were encroached 
upon, fearless in sustaining what he believed to 
be the truth, and unawed by any power but the 
will of Omniscience, he steadily performed his 
duty, and never faltered nor looked behind him. 
Among others, I diff'ered from liini on tliat occa- 



HENRY D. GIL I' IX. 37 

sion, but sober reflection and the result have 
proved that he was right and we were wrong. 

One of the most useful lessons taught by the 
death of a good man is to impress upon us moral 
reflections which may be beneficial to those who 
survive. I do not hold the sentiment that the 
virtues of a good man and the vices of a bad man. 
after death, should be confounded, and that the 
epitaphs on the tombstones of both should be the 
same. I know of no incentive more powerful to 
promote good acts than the value of a posthumous 
name, and none of us can leave to our flxmily and 
our friends a richer legacy than the character of a 
fiiithful public servant and an upright honest man 
in private life. There is a sickly philosophy too 
prevalent, that every statesman or public man is 
liable to the imputation of being sordidly selfish 
or corrupt, or to use the popular sarcasm in more 
homely language, that he is a man of principle in 
proportion to his interest. The life and character 



88 AMEMOBIALOF 

of Mr. Gilpin exhibit most powerfully the injus- 
tice of this sentiment. Ilis public and private 
career has been without blot or blemish, and be- 
yond rebuke or reproach. 

Having obtained the highest eminence in his 
profession and great affluence in his fortune, ac- 
quired by his industry, without oppression, he 
retired, a few years since, from the active labors 
incident to practice at the bar, and devoted him- 
self to the domestic enjoyments of his family and 
friends. This was the arena in which his virtues 
shone so brilliantly, and it was here as a husband, 
a son, a brother, and a friend, that his merits were 
known and cherished. A few months since it be- 
came apparent to himself and others, that his days 
were numbered. He received the sad admonition 
with composure and resignation. Day after day 
passed by, and the time arrived wlien he realized 
that a change was about to take place. Sur- 
rounded by n weeping circle, consisting of his 



HEN RY D. GILPIN. 39 

partner in life, his mother, his other relations, and 
his domestics, he took affectionate leave of them 
all, gave them his blessing, and in a mild and firm 
manner told them, "/ die at peace with God and 
man" 

Such has been the fate of our friend, whose 
memory we are called here to respect, and before 
I conclude I cannot refrain from making an ear- 
nest appeal to each one of the young members of 
our profession, who constitute so large a portion 
of this assemblage, and from saying to him, "Go 
thou and do likewise." 



40 A M E M O R I A L O F 



REMARKS OF MR. BENJAMIN RUSH. 

Mr. Ivush said, tlmt thongli he could add no- 
thing to the very appropriate observations of his 
estimable friend who had just taken his seat, he 
would, nevertheless, ask leave to say a word or 
two, for he felt that if he were to remain wholly 
silent on such an occasion as this, he would be 
untrue to the promptings of his heart. It liad 
been well said by Mr. Kandall, that Mr. Gilpin 
was no ordinary man; nor was his death an ordi- 
nary event, in the ranks of this Bar, or this city, 
or. he would add, the gifted men of this country. 
Well and truly had it also been said of him, that 
in all the relations of public and private life, he 
was a model; that as a husband, a son, a citizen, 
a gentleman, he had no superior. Sir, said Mr. 
Uusli, this large meeting of the profession, graced 
by the presence of learned Judges, who have sus- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 41 

pendcd the proceedings of their Courts to enable 
them to be here, has ratified these sentiments; 
this whole community, in which he was a univer- 
sal favorite, will ratify them ; the public will en- 
dorse them. To say that his heart was as warm 
as his intellect was disciplined and polished ; that 
his generous impulses, his ready kindness, his ha- 
bitual suavity, his unwillingness to offend, or give 
pain to others, were attractively illustrated in his 
bland and agreeable and genial intercourse; or to 
speak of the charms of his accomplished mind, as 
seen and felt in his easy, and sprightly, and flow- 
ing conversation, to which so many of us have 
listened, at his hospitable table and elsewhere, as 
it sparkled with quick intelligence, and shone 
with cultivation and the lights of knowledge — 
what is this, what would this be, but feebly to 
portray a little of all that we already know and 
feeH For, sir, to one who knew him, as i/ou did, 
and as some of the rest of us knew him more re- 

4* 



42 A M E M R I A L O F 

ceiitly, who does not recall with mingled pleasure 
and sadness — elevated pleasure and corresponding 
sadness — the hours that were gladdened by his pre- 
sence; to whom, of all such, does not his beaming 
smile, his courteous and cordial salutation, vividly 
return with memories now made painful, when we 
come to realize that we shall see his face no more. 
Mr. Gilpin, continued Mr. Rush, was all, and 
more than all, that he had thus imperfectly de- 
scribed, in all the numerous relations of personal 
and social intercourse. To these he chiefly de- 
voted the latter vears of his asfreeable leisure: 
these were the spheres he filled Avith eminent 
attractiveness and grace; surrounded by the em- 
bellishments of taste, and the treasures of varied 
knowledge, of which his am])le and beautiful 
library gave him the command, and which he well 
knew liow to appreciate and enjoy; heightened as 
was such enjoyment, greatly heiglitened, by the 
companinnsliip of choice and cherished friends, 



HENRY D. GILIMX. 43 

among them, some of the very first in this hind 
by past public station, and tlic highest order of 
social and intellectual accomplishment. Nor let 
it be forgotten, that with all these agreeable j)ur- 
suits, he ever united a ready, an efficient, an unob- 
trusive sympathy with those less fortunate among 
his fellows, and was ever ready to co-operate, act- 
ively and judiciously, in every laudable object of 
public enterprise. 

But, Mr. Chairman, said ^Ir. Hush, there was 
a time when, as you well know, and as many of 
the rest of us know, Mr. Gilpin had few superiors 
at this 13ar; wlien he brought to tlie profession 
the strength of his intellect, and moved in its 
busiest walks; grappling with it as only those can 
and do, who act up to the full meaning of that 
maxim, in all its exacting rigor, ''Lefji te totiun 
dedicaT might it not be added, by a slight para- 
phrase of the remainder of tlie line — ''nam difjuKs 
erat Hid et ilia eo ditjnaf' For if fine talents 



44 AMEMORIALOF 

inherited from nature, and cultivated by early and 
long toil during a most thorough and careful edu- 
cation; continued habits of indomitable industry 
and energy ; the power and the habit of rigid ana- 
lysis; of patient investigation and research; thus 
accumulating large stores of the solid learning of 
the law; if a ready and persuasive, and often a 
powerful eloquence, with the graces of a classical 
mind; and over and above all, the nicest and 
highest sense of personal and professional honor; 
if these qualities, as assuredly Mr. Gilpin pos- 
sessed them, as well in their separate excellence 
as in their combination — if these have anything 
to do with the character of an able and accom- 
plished lawyer, unquestionably he was entitled to 
that praise. "Who docs not remember the ability, 
the zeal, he would add the firmness, and enlight- 
ened patriotism too — {he tonus are not too strong 
— with which, at a memorable period which Mr. 
llandall lias gracefully referred to, he signally dis- 



IIENUY D. GIL TIN. 45 

charged the. onerous duties, as they then were, of 
the District Attorneyship of the United States for 
tliis District] In this connection, the speaker 
hoped he might be pradoned if he obtruded a per- 
sonal recollection. Never had he forgotten, never 
could he forget, the kindness with which, when 
first coming forward at this Bar, Mr. Ciilpin ex- 
tended to him the hand of professional invitation, 
by associating him witli himself in some memo- 
rable cases tried at that period in the Circuit 
Court of tlie United States before two eminent 
Judges long since departed, the late Judges Bald- 
win and Ilopkinson. He remembered how grate- 
ful was that association to him, and it had given 
him opportunities of close observation of Mr. CJil- 
pin's mind and character and his professional ha- 
bits which otlierwise he miglit never have had. 
It formed a Hnk in the retrospect of his earlier 
years at this Bar, wliich he recalled with peculiar 
pleasure, and he performed a duty no less grateful 



46 AMEMORIALOF 

now to his present feelings, than mournful by all 
the recent keen associations it so vividly and 
freshly awakened in thus rendering to his honored 
memory this feeble and imperfect tribute. He 
hoped the resolutions would pass unanimously. 

Mr. Charles Ixgersoll also addressed the 
meeting, and in glowing, eloquent, and truthful 
language paid a just tribute to the merits and vir- 
tues of the deceased, holding up his conduct and 
life as an example truly worthy of imitation by 
the members of the profession, and as a model for 
all men. 



HENR V 1). G I 1. P I N. 47 



DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Fourth Street, Feb. 3, 186U. 
Dear Madam : In the retrospect of an associa- 
tion always brightened by the sunshine of rational 
enjoyment, your grief may perhaps, at first, be 
most intense from those causes which will here- 
after afford you consolation under your sad be- 
reavement. No friend of Mr. Gilpin will cherish 
with a sinccrer affection and respect than myself 
the memory of the high intellectual and moral 
qualities and social graces by which he was distin- 
guished. The inclosed formal proceedings attest 
inadequately the personal regret with which 1 
sympathize in your affliction. 

With great respect and esteem, 

I remain your most ob't serv't, 

JOIIX CADWALADER. 
Mrs. Henry D. Gilpin. 



48 AMEMORIALOF 

111 the District Court of the United States for 
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, February 1, 
1860. 

Mr. James C. Van Dyke, District Attorney 
of tlic United States for said District, rose and 
said : — 



REMARKS OF MR. JAMES C. VAN DYKE. 

May it please tlie Court: It is my painful pri- 
vilege to announce to this Court the death of ano- 
ther distinguished member of the riiiladelphia 
Bar. 

This last mark of professional and ofHcial re- 
spect to a deceased brother is at all times attended 
with melancholy associations; but when we are 
called on to put upon the record the departure 
from amongst us of one whose public career and 
l^rivate relations in life have been distinguished 
for eminent ability, and that gentlemanly courtesy 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 49 

and kindness that win the heart, the duty is es- 
pecially a sad one. I perform it, therefore, re- 
marking only among the many things that could 
be said of the deceased, that Mr. Gilpin has en- 
joyed a wide-spread reputation in his literary and 
scientific relations to society, and the legal profes- 
sion has been rewarded by many lasting proofs of 
confidence from his fellow-citizens and our govern- 
ment. 

With eminent ability he discharged before this 
Court the duties of Attorney for the United States 
under the administration of President Jackson, 
and possessed the warmest confidence of that hero 
and statesman, and subsequently filled the office 
of Attorney-General of the United States under 
the administration of President Van Burcn. In 
the performance of the important duties of these, 
as well as other high offices, he has erected for 
our profession, to his memory, an enduring monu- 
ment. 

5 



50 AMEMORIALOF 

In all his relations ^vith the Court, with society, 
and with the learned profession of which he was 
a beloved member, he has acquired a high national 
reputation for care, research, and legal acumen, 
and has won the highest respect and esteem of 
the profession and his fellow-citizens, who now 
deeply mourn his loss. 

I move that as a mark of respect to the de- 
ceased, this Court do now adjourn, and that a 
suitable record thereof be made upon the minutes. 

The Court said: — 



REMARKS OF JUDGE CADWALADER. 

The death of Mr. Gilpin is with reason deplored 
as a public loss. lie was a man of extensively 
varied acquirements. In early life, and also at a 
later period, his pursuits were not less literary 
than professional. He was a highly finished 



HENRY D. GILPIN, 51 

Greek and Latin, and an accomplished English 
classical scholar. This, however, is not the place 
in which to mention his literary compositions, or 
those productions of his pen in which the results 
of historical research were displayed. 

In the legal profession, almost our earliest re- 
membrances of him are associated with this Court. 
In the prime of his ripening manhood, he was the 
Attorney of the United States for this District. 
In this office he became known as an able and 
well instructed lawyer. The distinction which he 
attained in it was the cause of successive promo- 
tions until he reached the most elevated official 
position at the bar in our country. AVhen Attor- 
ney-General of the United States, the facility, cor- 
rectness, and dispatch with which the laborious 
business of his department of the Government 
was transacted, attested the capacity and efficiency 
of the officer at its head. His forensic eflforts 
bore comparison with those of his distinguished 



52 A MEMORIAL OF HENRY ]). GILPIN. 

official predecessors. He retired from the post 
with the confidence and esteem of the nation. 
In his public career his reputation for the purest 
integrity was always maintained. In private life, 
no man's character was more spotless ; no man 
was more beloved; of none will the memory be 
cherished with more affectionate or more merited 
respect. 

As a tribute of respect to the memory of tlie 
Honorable Henry D. Gilpin, late Attorney-Gene- 
ral of the United States, the Court is adjourned. 



PllOCEEDIXGS 



OF THE 



HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF TENKSYLVAMA. 



6* 



HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

Philadelphia, February 15, ISGO. 

Madam: At a meeting of tlie Historical Society 
of Pennsylvania, held on the loth iust., the follow- 
ing resolution, offered by Mr. Joseph 11. IngersoU, 
was unanimously adopted : — 

Resolved^ That the Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania performs a mournful duty in recording 
its expression of respect and esteem for the me- 
mory of Henry D. Gilpin, its late valued member. 
It pays a just tribute to his varied merits, by ex- 
hibiting his life and conduct as a never dying les- 
son, while his body sleeps in death. That it is 
characteristic of history to teach by bright exam- 
ples the pure lessons of its peculiar philosophy; 
and a grateful sense of what it owes to a departed 
associate is manifested in the delineation of his 



56 A M E M O R I A L O F 

character. The exami)le afforded by his active 
life will be read in his continued observance of its 
highest duties. A generous recollection of this 
Society manifested in one of his latest days on 
earth, will bind its members to his memory in 
close and affectionate relationship, and they will 
not forego the satisfaction of cherishing a lasting 
and united sense of gratitude. 

I have tlie honor to be, Madam, 

With great regard, your ob't ser't, 

UOR2VTIO GATES JOXES, Cor. Sec'y. 
To Mrs. Eliza Gilpin. 

At tlie meetino- of the Historical Societv of 
Pennsylvania, held February 13th, 1860, the Pre- 
sident, Ur. George W. Norris, occupied the chair, 
and a large number of members were present. 

The Corresponding Secretary read the minutes 
of the last stated meeting, and then announced 
the loss the Societv had met with in the death of 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 57 

its late Vice-President, Henry D. Gilpin. Where- 
upon Mr. Joseph 11. Ingerspll addressed the meet- 
ing as follows : — 



remarks of mr. joseph r. ingersoll. 

Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Histo- 
rical Society: The world has been visited of late 
with more than the usual loss of valuable life. 
Death has been busy abroad and among ourselves. 
Many who have long been regarded as ornaments 
of their country and a pride to the age, have be- 
come, it would almost seem, its selected victims. 
In this common and multiplied calamity, a sad 
portion has fldlen to our share. Since the last 
meeting of this Society, and scarcely more than 
a fortnight ago, the friends of Mr. Gilpin were 
called upon individually to pay to his memory the 
tribute of their tears. They now meet as mem- 
bers of an association to express and record their 



58 A M E M R I A L O F 

united testimony to liis many virtues. Among 
those -who have done honor to its annals during 
its not very prolonged existence, none, perhaps, 
have enjoyed higher claims to respect. History 
would forget its proper office if it did not preserve 
and cherish the remembrance of him. It does 
not, like other science, deal in abstract principles, 
in theoretic rules, or critical disquisitions; but in 
vivid and inviting detail of facts and exhibitions, 
or illustrations of character. Its proper teaching 
is by example. Events are related, and men are 
described on its speaking page for study and con- 
templation. It is a philosophy at once practi- 
cal and profound. It invites to imitation, and 
efforts of resemblance, Avliere they are practicable, 
and if such aims are difficult of accomplishment, 
it asks that all should emulate good conduct and 
qualities, and derive the benefit of at least a stim- 
ulating exercise. 

The best names found upon the long line of 



HENRY D. GILPIX. 59 

time are not always connected with dazzling and 
exaggerated exploits, which are performed by few, 
and are the results of an ardent and impetuous 
nature, which is admired for its brilliancy, rather 
than adopted as a model, or even received as an 
invitation to excel. The charm of a good exam- 
ple consists in an exhibition at all times, with un- 
affected simplicity, of useful properties for every- 
day purposes, and a well understood ability to 
shine when occasion shall call forth more striking: 
displays. Such are the examples which history 
delights to portray and to honor. 

It was the happy fortune of our lamented friend 
that his merits were easily appreciated, and tliat 
most of them could be made marks of imitation 
and adopted without presumption, or almost un- 
consciously pursued. It well becomes his me- 
mory, and those who desire to cherish it, that the 
bent of history should be followed by holding 
them up for study and resemblance. Sucli a 



60 A M E M R I A L O F 

course is richly due to departed merit, and it is a 
pledge from surviving friends to adopt the exam- 
ple, where it is possible, and at least to emulate 
the virtues which they may not hope fully to 
attain. 

An instinctive amiableness of temper. was in 
him above all praise. It diffused around him an 
atmosphere genial to himself, and of the purest 
influence upon others. It was contagious to all 
who breathed it of kindness and good-will. Pas- 
sion is sometimes said to be eloquent. Mildness 
of temper is infinitely more attracting and persua- 
sive. The possessor is himself made happy by its 
exercise, and all around him enjoy his kindness, 
and return it without an effort. Access is ren- 
dered mutually agreeable, intercourse is made 
itself a charm, and the becoming courtesies of life 
ceasing to be a burden and a form, are a treasure 
and a delight. Gentleness of conduct and action 
followed in our friend the promptings of feelings. 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 61 

and led for the most part to a kindred and gene- 
rous return. Its unclouded ray never for a mo- 
ment forsook him ; and companionship of all 
kinds, whether of business or social life, became 
its cheerful home. 

Never was there a moment when such quali- 
ties and the consequences of them were so much 
in demand. Everywhere around us tendencies 
exactly the reverse appear to prevail. Mutual 
forbearance is scarcely known. Violence is tlie 
order of the day. Even the law, which ought 
to be sovereign, and was once our boast as such, 
has lost its influence upon the many. It has 
failed in a great degree to restrain, and possesses 
little power to protect or punish. Our country, 
instead of being an example, is become a re- 
proach. Nothing would tend so much to restore 
a proper tone of public sentiment, and with it 
a rebuke and cessation of habitual crime, as the 
adoption of examples of kind feeling and amiable 



62 AMEMORIALOF 

deportment as they have been now bequeathed 

to ns. 

Another of his praiseworthy parts was a faculty 
of attention in all he did— attention to his duties, 
studies, friendships, and business. He never 
seemed to lose sight of the observance and devo- 
tion which became him, whether in affiiirs of mag- 
nitude or detail. This is the leading motive to 
industry, which is always the companion, and 
commonly the parent of continued success. In 
no department of life can it be dispensed with, 
and all, perhaps, who have risen to eminence, 
have been faithful and indefatigable in obedience 
to its calls. 

As the result of these qualities, each of which is 
of easy imitation to the well disposed, he was pro- 
ficient as a classical scholar and a man of general 
knowledge. He delighted in books, and well 
knew how to profit by them. They were his 
daily companions, without causing him to neglect 



HENRY D. GI LPIX. 63 

his family, or society, or business affairs. To this 
familiarity with books he added a knowledge of 
men which led him to select his friends and to 
abide by the selection faitlifully. In public life 
this was attended by the best effects, and in pri- 
vate by the most agreeable intimacies. These 
presented, in their respective spheres, opportuni- 
ties for strict integrity, and success generally 
attended his operations. He neglected nothing. 
xVhvays self-possessed, calm and deliberate in 
thought and action, witli firmness to resist wrong 
and sustain right, and yet without apparent exer- 
tion at any time, he seemed almost instinctively 
to avoid the evil and adopt the good. After a 
faithful discharge of duties in high offices of the 
government, he retired from active business and 
became associated with objects of taste and litera- 
ture, and devoted to the enjoyment of a liberal 
hospitality. 

Then turning to a natural desire to visit foreign 



64 AMEMORIALOF 

lands, he prepared witli his usual care for useful 
observation and a kind reception. From the go- 
vernment and from personal friends, recommenda- 
tions were freely given to him. After a short 
stav amoni? tlie abodes of his maternal relations 
in Great Britain, he crossed over to tlie continent 
and witnessed whatever could gratify a refined 
taste in different countries. AVith his habitual 
choice of eminent friends he became familiarly 
acquainted at Berlin with Humboldt, then fir ad- 
vanced in life but full of wisdom, and almost the 
master mind of his day. From Europe he passed 
into regions of still more ancient renown, and saw 
the dim records of Egyptian story. He ascended 
the Nile, whose fertilizing waters supply the place 
of every cultivation of the soil, and whose tor- 
rents from the rains poured upon the adjacent 
Ethiopian mountains, and causing their periodical 
overflow with its hap})y results, suggested to the 
father of poetry the idea that they fell from Ilea- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 65 

ven. He visited Athens, and left, it is said, a 
most agreeable impression there. In Rome he 
renewed his happiest recollections of classic lore, 
among, her sublime monuments of ancient and 
modern art, and the ruins scarcely less sublime 
scattered in lonely majesty over her seven hills. 
There, too, his once familiar studies could be re- 
newed upon fields consecrated to the Poets of an 
Augustan age, and he indulged his taste in pro- 
curing works of art which now adorn his noble 
residence. He returned home full of ajrreeable 
impressions, and began again a career of friend- 
ship and hospitality which had been broken only 
for a season. His taste for books was especially 
gratified in repeated visits to the Astor Library, 
in New York, which is already an honor to the 
country, and will be a wonder of modern time. 
Its learned librarian was ever willing to receive 
and welcome him as a congenial mind. 

These pursuits, unhappily, did not serve him 



6* 



66 A MEMORIAL OF 

long. It is probable that ho brought with him 
from abroad, unknown to himself, seeds of infirm- 
ity wliicli produced bitter fruits to the view of his 
anxious friends. He orradually withdrew from 
his accustomed public engagements, and declared 
his determination not to embark in them again. 
A life of domestic tranquillity was welcomed, with 
occasional excursions among his interests at a dis- 
tance, or liis friends, "With lessened spirits, his 
health seemed to fail. The fatal secret was not 
slow to disclose itself to others, by indications of 
which he was himself scarcely conscious. A 
frame never robust gave way under accumulated 
maladies, and towards the end of January he 
yielded up his gentle and manly spirit, deeply to 
the regret, although scarcely to the surprise, of 
his sorrowing friends. 

We have looked with solicitude to an early 
meeting of this Society as a bond of feeling in 
common membership. A corresponding influence 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 07 

seems to have filled the mind of him whose loss 
we deplore. History, with fidelity and in its true 
character, loses not a moment to hold up his name 
and actions, asking that the bright example should 
live in lasting recollection. A brief interval has 
preceded this faithful record of his life, and one 
equally brief preceded his death, when, in uncon- 
scious anticipation of these tributes to his me- 
mory, some of his latest thoughts were devoted to 
a most munificent and appropriate endowment, 
one equally characteristic of the giver and the 
receiver of the gift. It is possible that views on 
the one part so generous, and gratitude so just 
and so deeply felt upon the other, may not speed- 
ily in literal extent be accomplished and fulfilled. 
Yet the legacy will be at once and at all times 
appreciated and cherished for its design, although 
an unwise act of modern lepjislation mav frustrate 
for a season its complete execution. 



68 A MEMORIAL OF 

Tlie resolution expressive of respect and esteem 
for the memory of ]Mr. Gilpin was then offered by 
Mr. Ingersoll. 



REMARKS OF MR. WILLIAM B. REED. 

Mr. President: I have been requested to se- 
cond the resolution offered by Mr. Ingersoll, and 
do so with great though melancholy pleasure. It 
was not my good fortune to be in the city when 
my professional brethren met to do honor to Mr. 
Gilpin's memory, and I should be false to a friend- 
ship which, without interruption, has continued 
for very many years, if I did not avail myself of 
the first occasion that has presented itself, of add- 
ing my tribute to those which have already been 
paid to liis character. It seems to me that no 
place is more appropriate than this. His profes- 
sional position lias been defined; but here, in a 
society which claims in some measure to represent 



HENRY 1). GIL FIX. 69 

the scholarship and intellectual sympathies of the 
community, we can well do honor to one whose 
tastes and habits were eminently those of a scho- 
lar and a man of high literature. Of him, as 
such, I wish especially to speak, and that without 
the least derogation to his character as a man of 
practical ability; for his literary tastes never en- 
feebled his capacity for action, which was very 
observable when, translated as he was, suddenly 
to a position of high political eminence and great 
professional exigency, he found that literature and 
scholarship had made no enfeebling or damaging 
marks on him. I ask your permission to speak 
in a most desultory way of Mr. Gilpin's social ca- 
reer amongst us, or rather to trace my own recol- 
lections of him during the thirty odd years of our 
acquaintance. There was no such difference in 
our ages as to prevent me from speaking of liim 
as a contemporary. 

Mr. Gilpin was, I believe, educated in England; 



70 A 31 E M R I A L O F 

that is, his boyish education was there. His ele- 
mentary Latin and Greek were learned there, and 
they were learned as I very much fear they only 
can be learned abroad, systematically and tho- 
roughly. Tliey clung to him through life. The 
shelves of his library showed how steadily his 
interest in the classics continued. His classical 
attainments were never obtruded, but they were 
never disused. I have a very clear recollection of 
hearing him converse on this subject, and of his 
attributing whatever merit he had as a writer of 
his mother language, to the Greek and Latin dis- 
cipline he had at school; and when at what was, 
alas, the close of life, he came back from his first 
and only visit to classic lands, the deep and active 
interest he felt and expressed, especially for mo- 
dern Greece as the inheritor of an ancient fame, 
seemed like the beautiful and crowning capital of 
that enduring, indestructible column of scholar-, 
like sympathy with all that was heroic in ancient 



HENRY D. GILPIX. 71 

story, which was founded long ago in his English 
schoolhouse. 

But his foreign education did not spoil him. 
He became at once an American student, to fit 
him for his career as an American man. He en- 
tered the University of Pennsylvania, and was 
graduated there in 1819, and at once began the 
study of the law under the direction of one (Mr. 
Ingersoll) whose distinction among many others it 
is — and there are those around me who illustrate 
what I say — that more accomplished, thoroughly 
educated Philadelphia lawyers have come from his 
tuition than from any others of his day. They 
are all around us now. He is here to-night, join- 
ing in this tribute to the memory of his distin- 
guished pupil. 

Mr. Gilpin was never an active practitioner at 
the local bar. Accidental occupation of an official 
nature, and perhaps a diff'erence of taste, led him 
aside from that strict career. But he was always 



72 AMEMORIALOF 

a student of law, and when the time came when 
he was called on to show the fruit of professional 
study, he was able to do so. He was for many 
years an author; not an ambitious one, nor always 
under his own name, but he seemed glad to avail 
himself of opportunities, such as then existed, to 
indulge in this way his literary tastes. The estab- 
lishment, about that time, of the National Gazette 
(the first, and I fear I must add, the last strictly 
literary newspaper Philadelphia has ever had), 
and of the Quarterly Review, was quite an event 
to men of such tastes as Mr. Gilpin. He was a 
welcome, and, if my memory serves me, a frequent 
contributor to them. Very few, alas, of those 
who formed i)art of this literary association are 
left to recall its fading traditions. * In those days, 
when the telegraph had not revolutionized the 
press; when news was sometimes seventy days in 
crossing the Atlantic, and two days in coming 
from AVashington; when there was time for lite- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 73 

ratiire; wlieii the hard intolerance of politics, and 
the driving energies of business had not cruslied 
out intellectual communion and literary leisure, 
there was great luxury in such means of enjoy- 
ment as I have spoken of. Mr. Gilpin availed 
himself largely of them. 

I have spoken of the intolerance of politics in 
this our day. Intolerance, after all, is generally 
an honest sort of thing, and therefore we may 
speak of its past exhibitions without offence or 
danger of hurting any one's feelings. At one pe- 
riod of his life no one had more occasion to feel 
and deplore its excess than Mr. Gilpin. Appoint- 
ed a government director of a great institution, 
with which then the government was at M-ar, or, 
to state an alternative, which was at war with 
the government, Mr. Gilpin encountered in tlie 
discharge of his duties a strong current of local 
public sentiment which it was hard to stem. He 
survived it. Xo imputation ever rested on his 



74 A il E il R I A L F 

integrity or his lienor ; and when I saw the other 
day, assembled around his remains, the most emi- 
nent of our fellow-citizens of every rank of life, 
of every pursuit, and of all shades of politics, and 
then recalled the not very distant past, I could 
not but feel the lesson that it taught, and the 
worse than folly of the intolerance of any one's 
honest opinions. 

In 1840, Mr. Gilpin, after being District Attor- 
ney and Solicitor of the Treasury, was appointed 
by President Van Buren Attorney-General of the 
United States, and continued in office about a 
year. He had a fame to make for himself, and a 
fame to sustain for the State and the bar to which 
he belonged. With the exception of a short 
tenure by the late Mr. Rush, no Philadclphian or 
Pennsylvanian had held the office of Attorney- 
General since General Washington's administra- 
tion, and our deceased friend, than whom no one 
had a stronj::er or truer sentiment of local lovaltv. 



HENRY D. GILPIN. (O 

was conscious of what was looked for. lie met 
the public expectations completely, and retired 
from office with a reputation as a statesman and 
a national lawyer, such as his friends scarcely an- 
ticipated. Ilis adversaries at that great bar, for 
such it always has been, were Webster, and Clay, 
and Benton, and Sergeant, and Crittenden, and 
David ]5. Ogden. The Amistad case was argued 
by Mr. Gilpin against Mr. Adams; and the still 
greater case, involving the prohibition of the im- 
])ortation of slaves into Mississippi, Cirover vs. 
Slaughter, was a professional conflict in which, on 
one side, were two Pennsylvania men, classmates 
and graduates of 1819, Mr. Gilpin and Mr. Uobert 
J. Walker (the only one of all still surviving), and 
on the other ^Ir. Clav and Mr. Webster. Until 
I had occasion to look into it, I had no adequate 
idea of our friend's great official labors and success. 
The single class of cases argued by him, arising 
under the Florida and Louisiana treaties, aside 



76 A MEMORIAL OF 

from those I Imvc specified, attest his ability fully. 
There arc still surviving on that venerable bench 
four of the judges who recall Mr. Gilpin, when. 
before it, he defended the great interests of the 
government; and they, I am sure, bear strong 
testimony in support of what I have ventured to 
refer to. 

Mr. Gilpin retired from political life at the ter- 
mination of Mr. Van Buren's term, and it is inci- 
dentally worth observing that nothing was more 
attractive than the continuing friendship which, 
to the hour of Mr. Gilpin's death, existed between 
him and the ex-President. It had survived mere 
official and political intercourse. It was eminently 
the manifestation of that thorough congeniality of 
temper and habits of mind which was character- 
istic of both. In a year or two afterwards, bring- 
ing back the fame he had earned, as part of our 
property and our honor, he resumed his residence 
in riiiladelphia. It was, I believe, never inter- 



HENR Y D. GI LPI N. 77 

ruptcd, except during a visit of two years abroad. 
That, as I have said, was the journey of the scho- 
lar and the man of taste. It went far beyond the 
limits which circumvent the mere traveller for 
pleasure — and its fruits were, new tastes acquired, 
old ones invigorated, trophies of art, and treasures 
of conversation, all of which continued to cheer 
and adorn what has proved to be a mere remnant 
of life, and to make his house what it has been 
for years, a centre of social attraction, and the 
abode of the most graceful and habitual hospitality. 
I feel, and we all feel, that in him we have lost 
a friend, a fellow-citizen, whose place cannot be 
exactly filled. He was proud of Philadelphia, the 
city of his boyhood and manhood. He felt that 
to this soil, and to his personal associations here, 
he owed some of the success of life. He never 
shrank from public trusts, however laborious, but 
actively administered them, till waning health 
warned him to retire; and one of the last acts of 



78 A :Nr E M O R I A L O F 

his public-spirited life was to endeavor, by large 
and judicious munificence, to pay some portion of 
the debt which he thought he owed to Philadel- 
phia. His, at the close of life, was the reward of 
liabitual geniality of temper, that proved itself in 
uniform amenity of manner. He left, I believe, 
no enemies. We are showing, to-night, that he 
is sincerely mourned by many friends. 
I second the resolutions. 

Mr. S. Austin Allibone then read a number of 
letters which had been received from citizens of 
other parts of the country, relative to Mr. Gilpin ; 
among them were the following: — 



HENRY D. GI LPIN. 79 



FROM MR. EDWARD EVERKTT. 

Boston, February 2, 1860. 
My Dear Sir: It affords me a melancholy satis- 
faction, at your request, to express my sincere 
sympathy with yon in the loss of our greatly la- 
mented friend, Mr. Gilpin. It is a loss not only to 
your city, but to the country, not easily to be sup- 
plied; every way deserving to be mentioned with 
the other great losses, which have been sustained 
by science and literature during the past twelve- 
month. He was too well known in Philadelphia 
to need any attestation, on my part, to his worth; 
but it may be gratifying to his friends there to 
know, that he was appreciated at a distance. It 
is true that an intimate friendship of more than 
thirty years prevents my speaking of him with 
impartiality ; it has, however, afforded me the 
means of becoming acquainted with the sterling 
traits of his character. 



80 A MEMORIAL OF 

To talents of a superior order he united the 
highest literary culture— the fruit of indefatigable 
and well directed study — and with these were 
associated a most amiable disposition, affable man- 
ners, and a character without reproach. He early 
rose to eminence in his profession, being, while 
yet a young man, appointed United States District 
Attorney for the State of Pennsylvania, and havins: 
not long afterwards filled the offices of Attorney 
and Solicitor-General of the United States. In 
these offices, and in the practice of his profession, 
he gained the reputation of a learned and accom- 
plished lawyer and a powerful advocate. His 
heart, however, was not in his profession, and he 
gladly availed himself of an early acquired and 
honorable competence to gratify more congenial 
tastes — but not till he had given to the world a 
volume of Reports of Cases adjudicated, wliile he 
filled the office of District Attorney, and a collec- 
tion in two volumes of the opinions of the Attor- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 81 

ncy-Gencral from the foundation of the govern- 
ment to the year 1841. On his retirement from 
pnhKc life, at the close of President Van Buren's 
administration, he gave himself wholly to letters, 
to the fine arts, to education, to foreign travel, 
and the formation of a very large and well chosen 
library. He was a diligent student of ancient 
literature, and had few equals in this country in 
his acquaintance with the liatin and Greek class- 
ics. His library was amply furnished with the 
best editions, which he read critically and system- 
atically. You are well acquainted with his taste 
for the fine arts; his deliglitful mansion w^as a 
museum of paintings and statuary, and he ren- 
dered important services to the Academy of Fine 
Arts, of which he was the President. He was 
also, as you are well aware, one of the most active 
members of the Pennsylvania Historical Society, 
of which he was Vice-President, and a Director 
of Girard College. He took a paternal interest 



82 AMEMORIALOF 

in the welfare of this last named institution, and 
delighted to watch the progress of its inmates. 

Mr. Gilpin was a liberal contributor to some 
periodical publications, and wrote many valuable 
articles in the leading critical journals. He was 
the author of several of the Biographies of the 
Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and 
the second edition of that work was wholly revised 
and greatly enlarged by him. Other productions 
of his pen are mentioned in your dictionary. The 
country is greatly indebted to him for his carefully 
prepared and accurate edition of the Madison pa- 
pers; and his Address on the character of Frank- 
lin contains one of the ablest and most judicious 
discussions of his career and services, wliicli has 
appeared. It is a matter of deep regret that he 
was not more frequently led to pour out the rich 
treasures of his mind for the gratification of the 
reading world. Had his life been spared, it is 
not impossible that he would have devoted his ad- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 83 

vancing years to some work of broader compass 
than any of his occasional productions. It was in 
his power in this way to have made a contribution 
to American Hterature of standard and permanent 
vakie. 

Mr. Gilpin's library was one of the largest and 
best selected private libraries in the country. It 
covered the whole field of general literature, an- 
cient and modern, and was gradually formed, not 
for ostentation, but use, in the progress of his 
studies. It was particularly rich in maps, charts, 
and plans of cities. It was his custom in travel- 
ling, to carry away from every place visited by 
him some such local memorial. I doubt if an 
American ever went abroad better prepared to de- 
rive advantage from his travels in Europe and the 
East, or returned with a larger store of intelligent 
observation. 

I need not speak to you of the beauty of Mr. 
Gilpin's well-ordered domestic life; of his refined 



84: AMEMORIALOF 

and elegant tastes; his wide sympathies, and tlie 
charm of his conversation. Rarely has the grave 
closed prematurely on such varied excellence of 
character. 

I remain, dear sir, as ever, sincerely yours, 

EDWAKD EVERETT. 



FROM MR. CORNELIUS C. FELTON, FRESIDENT OF HARVARD 

UNIVERSITY. 



PiiiLADELPniA, February 10, 1860. 

My Dear Sir: Your letter, announcing the 
death of Mr. Gilpin, reached Cambridge after I 
left home, and was forwarded to me in this city. 

My personal acquaintance with our departed 
friend dates back only a few years; but I have 
long been familiar with his distinguished merits 
as a public man, and his various accomplishments 
as a scholar and writer. In 18 jo and 185-4 1 fol- 
lowed in his track in a European tour, and I was 



HENRY D. GIL 1' IX. 85 

made pleasantly aware how welcome he made 
himself to the most cultivated persons by his re- 
fined manners, his literary ac(piirements, his cour- 
teous bearing, and the intelligent observations he 
made in the several countries through which he 
travelled. He visited Greece a few months before 
my arrival in that country. To his highly culti- 
vated taste the illustrious associations of that 
classic land and the matchless remains of anti- 
quity in Athens were objects of the profoundest 
interest. But his interest was not limited to 
these. He studied the condition of the existing 
Hellenic race, the institutions of education, let- 
ters, and science they have established, with the 
appreciation of a statesman and the sympathy of 
a philanthropist. He did not, like some European 
and American travellers, n;istake the runners of 
Piraeus and the guides of Smyrna for types of the 
national character. He saw things with his own 
eyes; heard with his own ears; judged with his 



86 A MEMORIAL OF 

oun understanding; and tlic conclusions he drew, 
from his own observations, as to tlie character and 
destiny of the Hellenic race, were worthy of his 
fine culture and his feelin": heart. They were ex- 
pressed in a candid and able letter, addressed by 
him to a gentleman of Athens after leaving the 
city; and when published in the Athenian jour- 
nals, were received by the people of Greece witli 
enthusiasm. I heard his name often mentioned 
witli respect and affection; as his opinions were 
constantly referred to in the most gratifying terms. 
His interest in the language, litemture, and gene- 
ral progress of tlie kingdom of Greece, remained 
unabated after his return to the United States, 
and on all these subjects he kept himself well 
informed. I had the good fortune to meet him 
soon afterwards, and I have enjoyed his intimacy, 
and received many marks of his cordial friendship, 
ever since; and the esteem wliicli I had always 
felt ior hiiu ripened into a sincere affection. The 



HENRY D. GILI'IN. 87 

kindness of his o^cnial and gentle nature ; tlie 
exquisite tastes wliicli he had so assiduously cul- 
tivated ; his attractive conversation ; his refined 
hospitality, were a perpetual charm. I never 
passed through riiiladelphia without seeing him; 
I never saw him without instruction and delight; 
I never parted from him without regret. I re- 
ceived letters frora him occasionally, all character- 
istic of his elegance of mind and warmth of lieart. 
Before leaving home, last month, I heard of his 
illness. In New York I learned from our common 
friend, Mr. Cogswell, of the Astor Library, that 
his illness was serious: still I hoped to see him 
again, and to listen to his kindly words once more. 
Six days only before his death I called at his 
house, with some pamphlets I had just received 
from Athens, but, alas! I found he w\as too feeble 
to receive me. From the account I received of 
his condition, I left his door with a heavy lieart, 
convinced that his life was rapidly drawing to its 



83 AMEMORIALOF 

close, and that I should behold, his face no more. 
T was fully prepared for the sad event ; but when 
his death, on the following Sunday, was announced 
in the Washington papers, the intelligence struck 
me with a painful shock. One of the greatest 
pleasures I had promised myself during my. ab- 
sence from home was to see and converse with 
him, on subjects of common interest to both of 
us: — and now he is gone forever! He was one of 
the brisrhtest ornaments of your city: but his 
deatli will be universally lamented. The memory 
of his virtues, as exhibited in the daily beauty of 
his life ; admiration of his refined tastes and intel- 
lectual accomplishments, as seen in his writings ; 
in the noble library he had collected about him; 
and in the masterpieces of art with which he had 
made his house a temple of the Pluses, will long 
be cherished in the society which he adorned, and 
in the hearts of his distant friends; and his repu- 
tation will become a part of his country's fame. 



HENRY I). GILPIX. 89 

With sincere sympatliy with you and your a^iso- 
ciatcs in tliis bereavement, I am, dear sir. 

Very truly, your friend, 

C. C. FELTOX. 



After reading these letters ^Ir. Allibone added 
the following remarks: — 



REMARKS OF MR. S. AUSTIN ALLIBONE. 

These, Mr. President, are indeed noble tributes 
to the memory of the departed. Laadari a ciru 
laudato is as true now as it was on the day when 
it first fell from the pen of the great Cicero, and 
no man would have been more sensible of the va- 
lue of the eulogies which we have just heard than 
the one whose accomplishments and virtues have 
elicited them. But, precious as are such offerings, 
the friends of the departed feel that they purchase 

8» 



90 AMEMORIALOF 

them at too dear a price; for, alas! the altar upon 
which they are offered is the monumental marble! 

I have been requested, Mr. President, to offer 
some remarks at this sad convocation, and this 
duty I shall fulfil, so far as it may be discharged 
by a brief reference to those characteristics of our 
late fellow-member, for which he has been justly 
and pathetically commended. These characteris- 
tics may be thus classified: 1. Literary Culture; 
2. Zeal in the Cause of Education; 3. Interest in 
the Promotion of the Fine Arts; 4. Large and 
Generous Hospitality. 

With Mr. Gilpin's well selected library — the 
largest private collection in Philadelphia, and one 
of the best in the land — many of us are doubtless 
familiar. It has been my privilege to travel over 
the whole collection, from shelf to shelf, with the 
advantage of the intelligent owner as my compa- 
nion and commentator. I can therefore speak 
with some knowled2:e of mv theme, and with that 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 91 

personal interest in the volumes that such prized 
association must necessarily confer. It was very 
pleasant to notice the interest with which the ar- 
rival of one literary stranger after another — des- 
tined to find a haven on the capacious shelves of 
the owner — was hailed by the gratified host. One 
might have supposed, had the names or titles of 
the new busts, or charts, or volumes been omitted, 
that the long expected advent of some dear friend 
was the subject of the announcement. And with 
what joy did he gaze upon those treasures as newly 
arranged, which, alas! he was so soon to quit for- 
ever ! 

"I shall be glad," he writes to me, "to show 
you the arrangements of my new library (though 
my books are not yet all in their places), and a 
very beautiful bust of our friend, ^Ir. Everett, 
which he has been kind enough to send us to fill 
one of the niches. I should like also to show you 
a very nice and complete copy, with all the sup- 



92 A MEMORIAL OF 

t 

plemcnts and indexes, of ^Nlaittaire and Panzer, 
wliicli I received lately from Paris." 

The reference to the Annates Tjjpographici of 
Panzer natnrally suggests a favorite theme of the 
bibliographer — the best editions of the Greek and 
Latin classics; and how rich Mr. Gilpin's library 
is in this department — in working editions, not 
referring to those which arc valuable only for 
their rarity — I need hardly remind you. His fiimi- 
liarity with these great masters of reason, specula- 
tion, and eloquence — and it is rarely given to mor- 
tals to be equally flimiliar with the languages of 
Demosthenes, of Cicero, and of Chatham — has 
been just attested by our illustrious countryman, 
whom, even in his youth, the French translator of 
Plato (M. Cousin) — I received it from tlie lips of 
Mr. Charles Sumner, to whom the remark was 
made — declared to be one of the best Grecians he 
ever knew. That American scholars concurred in 
this high estimate of ^Ir. Everett's proficiency is 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 93 

evinced by the remarkable fact of bis election at 
the early age of twenty-one to the Greek profes- 
sorship of liarvard University. For the distin- 
guished leaders in this difficult department of 
learning it need hardly be said !>[r. Gilpin enter- 
tained feelings of filial reverence. As respects 
English scholarship, where the question of supre- 
macy lies only between two great names, his 
opinion can be most fairly given in his own words, 
which I give, as to the case, with all my quota- 
tions of his language from his letters to myself. 
Declining to give a verdict founded upon the re- 
sults of his owai philological investigations, as to 
the respective claims of Bentley and Person, !Mr. 
Gilpin proceeds to remark: "With the most pro- 
found appreciation of the various merits of the 
latter (Person), on which, of course, I cannot here 
dilate, I think I may safely say, without fear of 
contradiction, that no really gveat scholar of the 
continent, or even of England — except from col- 



94 A MEMORIAL OF 

legiate or personal affinities — has ever placed him 
on the same bench with the great master of 
Trinity." 

In confirmation of this unquestionably correct 
statement of the matter, he refers, most appropri- 
ately, to the two volumes of the Correspondence 
of Dr. Bentley, the editorship of which was trans- 
ferred by Bishop Monk — wliom ]\rr. Gilpin calls 
"no small scholar" — to the Eev. J. Wordsworth, 
and by him bequeathed as a fraternal legacy to 
the Rev. Dr. Christopher A^'ordsworth, canon of 
AYestminster, who completed this valuable pub- 
lication (London, 1842, 2 vols. 8vo.). 

Of Colonel Mure's elaborate Critical History of 
the Language and Literature of Ancient Greece, 
from the Earliest Period to the Death of Solon, 
1850-57, 2 vols. 8vo., ^Nlr. Gilpin expressed the 
following opinion: — 

" I have not yet read the last volume of Colonel 
Mure's work, but I shall do so in a few days, when 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 95 

I will with pleasure give you my opinion of it. 
Some time has passed since I read the previous 
volumes, but I remember to have thought them 
very full, candid, and useful, with conclusions ge- 
nerally sound, but hardly rising in tone or concep- 
tion to the greatness and beauty of his subject, 
especially where it embraces Homer. Still, I 
think it a most valuable contribution to classic 
literature." 

That an ardent admirer of the wisdom and ge- 
nius of Socrates should entertain in the same de- 
gree an aversion to the satirist who holds up the 
sage of the "Memorabilia of Xenophon," the 
"Dialogues of Plato," and the "Strictures of Aris- 
totle" to our ridicule and contempt, is no marvel. 
Nor could the philological skill of Mitchell recon- 
cile Mr. Gilpin to his original. 

"As regards Mitchell's Aristophanes," he re- 
marks: "I believe there is a very general accord- 
ance as to its great merit as a translation; but it 



96 A M E M O R I A L F 

is long since I read it; for, as you remark, the 
.... old slanderer is no favorite of mine." Of 
this distaste for the author of the "Clouds" some 
present will probably remember Mr. Gilpin made 
no secret. 

The progress of the great work of his attached 
friend, Mr. Grote, who sent him, as they were 
published, volume after volume of his History of 
Greece, was watched with no little anxiety, and 
when at last, after the labors of thirty-two years, 
the author presented the twelfth volume to his 
American correspondent, Mr. Gilpin, in announc- 
ing this fact to the present speaker, expressed his 
regret that it was doomed to be "the last." He 
considered, and I know that he w^as not alone in 
this view of the matter, that it is much to be de- 
sired that Mr. Grote should bring down his chro- 
nicle to a later period, and thus include several of 
the collateral branches of the great intellectual 
ftxmily, the members of which were glorious in 



H E N R Y D . G I L I' I N . 97 

their strength, and graceful and beautiful cv(mi in 
their decline. This was one of the topics of con- 
versation at the last interview I enjoyed witli ^Ir. 
Gilpin. 

In modern Greek he took a lively interest, and 
was greatly pleased with the results of the investi- 
gations in that department of his valued friend. 
Professor Felton — whom he lived Ions: enou":h to 
see elevated to the highest literary position in the 
United States, the Presidency of Harvard College 
— a worthy successor of Dunster, Chauncy, AVil- 
lard, Kirkland, Quincy, Everett, and Sparks. 
Plow near to Mr. Gilpin's heart was the regenera- 
tion of the classic land of eloquence and poetry, 
of statuary and of song, those can testify who re- 
member his reminiscences of his residence in 
Athens, and his sympathy with the arduous and 
long protracted labors of ^Ir. and Mrs. Hill. 

As regards English literature, he ranked Gib- 
bon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire at 



98 A M E M O E I A L O F 

the very head of the long list of great works of 
fact which constitute no small part of the glory of 
our branch of the human family. It would be 
easier to question this verdict than to disprove it. 
He compared this magnificent intellectual struc- 
ture to a noble cathedral, grand in its outlines, 
exquisite in its proportions, perfect in its parts. 
At the same time he thought the historian had 
been properly rebuked for his occasional indeli- 
cacy and frequent irreverence when manners, mo- 
rals, and religion were the subject of his eloquent 
pen. 

In literary discussions, whether oral or episto- 
lary, he expressed his dissent from his friend with 
as much readiness as he displayed in the expres- 
sion of sympathetic admiration. 

Of Sir James Mackintosh, of Lord Macaulay, 
and of another author, who shall be nameless, be- 
cause our countryman and a personal acquaint- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 99 

ance, I presume, of several in tliis hall, he writes 
me: — 

"I am not sure that I participate in the enthu- 
siastic admiration of them which I think, under 
your just impartiality, you still feel. Especially 
the latter (Macaulay), I cannot think that he is to 
stand among historians half a century hence in the 
niche where fashion and whig criticism have placed 
him, or that he is to affect the pre-eminence of 

Clarendon, Hume, Gibbon, or of Grote 

Even his much praised and elaborate picture paint- 
ing quite fails to leave on the memory impressions 
of events and characters such as we retain from 
Clarendon and Hume, nor do I think that all the 
praises of all the magazines will long substitute 
his versions of the legends of Virginia or Horatii 
for those of Livy." 

As regards our own authors. Dr. Lieber tells 
me, in a letter received since Mr. Gilpin's decease, 
"I recollect he once said to me that he consid- 



100 A MEMORIAL OF 

ercd Mr. Everett the ablest American writer of 
the Englisli hiiiguage." This observation, I judge 
from the tenor of the letter in uhicli it is con- 
tained, was made many years since. That Mr. 
Gilpin retained to his last hour warm admiration 
for Mr. Everett's scholarly and literary as well as 
personal characteristics, probably many near me 
could bear witness. 

But our late associate, thus learned, thus kind, 
thus candid, and thus courteous, has been removed 
from our sight ! in the expressive language of 
scripture, he has been "gathered to his fathers I" 
" His fathers !" And who were they "? Men of 
renown in their days for learning, for courage, for 
zeal, and for taste. I have referred to Mr. Gil- 
pin's prominent character as properly classified 
under the heads of literarv culture: zeal in the 
cause of education ; interest in the promotion of 
the fine arts; large and generous hospitality. He 
has a right to all these ornaments of linman cha- 



HENRY 1). GILPIN. 101 

racter, ]Mr. President — ii riirlit bv iulieritauce. I 
can exhibit the title-deeds to them all, and show 
the course of succession, if that were needful. 
To sav nothinif of the eminent members of the 
Gilpin family, who have carried to tliis side of the 
Atlantic a genealogical roll, " rich with the spoils 
of time," above "the boast of heraldry and the 
pomp of power," and yet not wanting these, let 
me remind you of Bernard Gilpin, the great apos- 
tle of the north, who, after laboring zealously for 
the faith in which he was born, cast in his lot 
with the reformers, and chose rather to suffer 
affliction with the ])eople of his choice than to 
enjoy the preferments of a church which he could 
not love, and of a Queen whom he could not serve, 
,0f Bernard Gilpin, so learned that in his youth 
Wolsey heard of his fame, and the Church of 
Rome sought him as an opponent to Peter Mar- 
tvr; so zealous, that he refused a mitre, and be- 
came an itinerant preacher, drawing vast audiences 



102 A MEMORIAL OF 

in tlic barns and fields of four counties of the 
kingdom ; so courageous, that when the arch-per- 
secutor, Bonner, promised to buni him at the 
stake that day fortnight, Gilpin himself prepared 
his robe, and day by day wore it on his person, as 
a bride "adorns herself with her jewels;" so hos- 
pitable, that he entertained at three daily tables 
the home-born and the stranger, from every clime 
and of every religion; and so munificent, that the 
Lord Treasurer Burleigh, whose dwelling had been 
in queens' palaces, declared that he "could hardly 
have expected more at Lambeth" than he found 
at the country house of Bernard Gilpin. After 
he had parted with the hospitable rector at his 
door, Burleigh paused on an eminence that com- 
manded the parsonage, and contrasting the peace- 
ful scene with the intrigues and factions of the 
splendid court to which he was hastening, ex- 
claimed: "There is the enjoyment of life, indeed! 
Who can blame that man for not accepting of a 



HENRY D. GILl'IN. 103 

bishopric'? "What doth he want to iiiakc liim 
greater, or happier, or more useful to mankind?" 

This good man, after serving his generation, 
fi^l asleep in the year 1583, twenty years before 
the first Stuart ascended the throne of England. 
I could speak, too, of George Gili)in, the brother 
of Bernard, the friend of lloger Ascham, the privy 
councillor of Queen Elizabeth, and her ambassador 
at the Hague, where he negotiated the treaty 
against Spain, of 1596, between Elizabeth of Eng- 
land, Henry IV. of France, and the Dutch Re- 
public, whose painful struggle into life has been 
so well narrated by our countryman, INIr. Motley; 
of Dr. Ilichard Gilpin, who died in 1699, fiunous 
both in medicine and divinity, whose Demonologia 
Sacra, or the Treatise of Satan's Temptations, so 
thrills the soul of the commentator in llyland's 
Life of Cotton Mather, that he exclaims in a pa- 
roxysm of horror: "If ever there was a man that 
was clearly acquainted with the cabinet councils 



lOi A MEMORIAL OF 

of hell, this author is the man;" of William Gil- 
pin, the vicar of Boldrc and prebendary of Sarnm, 
a zealous divine and an accomplished artist, who 
left the profits of his publications to found schools 
among the people for whose benefit he had labored 
whilst still living; of Sawrey Gilpin, of the lloyal 
Academy, and of his son, William Sawrey Gilpin, 
both artists of great reputation; and others there 
are who have adorned the annals of this remark- 
able fi\mily^ (as remarkable in divinity, diplomacy, 
and art as is the family of Gregory in science, of 
whom I cannot now speak particularly). I liave 
said more than enough to prove my position, that 
our late associate had a right, by descent, to his 
love of letters, of art, and of hospitality. 

Mr. Everett well remarks: "It is a matter of 
deep regret that he was not more frequently led 
to pour out the rich treasures of his mind for the 
gratificatiu]! of the reading world," etc. It is a 
source of satisfaction to me to remember that this 



IIEXRY D. GILPIN. 105 

was a sul)jcct wliicli, from time to time, I pressed 
upon ^h\ (iil[)in's attention, both by word and 
letter: it is only justice to liim to present his de- 
fence, in his own language: "I am not without 
hope," he writes mc on tlie 2Stli of last May, 1859, 
"that my taste for writing may return; but it 
would now be an irksome task tome; divorcing 
me from congenial pursuits, social and artistic, to 
some extent at least, and even from those studies 
in letters and philosopliy which are every day 
leading me into pleasant recesses of imagination 
and thouglit, that I find both numerous and unex- 
plored. Do you remember Horace's charming 
letter (admirably imitated by Pope) to Mecfenas, 
when he sought to win him back to writing more 
verses, after age and inclination had driven tlie 
muse away]" 

"\Ve have spoken of the courtesy and hospitality 
of Mr. Gilpin: we have good reason to remember 
that his kind offices did not cease with tlie last 

10 



106 A MEMORIAL OF 

sad duties, such as wo have recently paid to him. 
Wlien the republic of letters was called upon to 
mourn the loss of the great historian of "the con- 
solidation of the Spanish monarchy and the ex- 
pulsion of the IMoors. the mighty theme of the 
discovery of America, the sorrowful glories of Co- 
lumbus, the mail-clad forms of Cortez and Pizarro, 
and the other grim conquistadores, trampling new- 
found empires under the hoofs of their cavalry ; 
of the cruelties of Alva, and the fierce struggle of 
the Moslem in the East — (I borrow here the elo- 
quent language of Edward Everett) — when Pres- 
cott laid down the burden of life with the harness 
on his back, it was our late associate who acted as 
our organ in expressing the sympathy of the His- 
torical Society of Pennsylvania, with the sorrow 
elicited throughout the civilized world by this be- 
reavement. You will find his tribute side by side 
with those of Everett, Bancroft, Sparks, Ticknor, 
Felton, Winthrop, Frothingham, and Folsom, in 



H E N K Y D . G I L r I X . 107 

the Prescott memorial, and in the beautiful little 
exequial volume dedicated to the memory of the 
great Bostonian, by the Massachusetts Historical 

Society. 

Had Mr. Gilpin's state of health allowed it, I 
doubt not that he would have done as much for 
the memory of Washington Ir^•ing. Mortified 
that, whilst New York and Boston were mourning 
in solemn municipal and literary convocations, 
with flags at half-mast and insignia obscured by 
crape, the decease of our American literary Nes- 
tor, Philadelphia should take no note of the com- 
mon loss, I appealed to our late fellow-member to 
save at least this Society from the reproach of 
such neglect. 

He thus replied on the 7th of December, only 
six weeks before he himself became the theme of 
an epitaph and the subject of a biographer's pen. 
"Such shadows we are!" 

"Many thanks to you, my dear sir," he writes, 



108 A MEMORIAL OF 

in regard to a notice by me of Mr. Irving for 
our Historical Society. "I tliink I understood 

from Mr. that some arran2:ements had been 

ah-eady made ; I am sure they are contemplated. 
For myself, I am sorry to say that I am quite 
incompetent; for neither intellectually nor physic- 
ally does my strength improve so as to enable me 
to count from day to day, hardly from hour to 
hour, on any ability for the least exertion. I 
doubt now whether even my strong personal 
friendship for Mr. Ilusli would enable me to per- 
form towards his memory the acceptable task 
which I could accomplisli last summer." Some of 
those who hear me are aware of the circumstances 
with wliicli the admirable sketch of ^Ir. Hush's 
truly patriotic career was composed. On a bed of 
sickness, written from time to time as strength 
was meted out for the friendly office, on scraps of 
paper, the contents of wliich were copied for the 
press by the librarian of this Society. AVe may 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 109 

readily believe, what indeed we know to be the 
truth, that the family of the distinguished son of 
a distinguished sire. Dr. Benjamin Rush, the sub- 
ject of eulogy by crowned heads abroad, and the 
zealous promoter of public weal and domestic hap- 
piness at home, were deeply affected by such a 
tribute thus offered in weakness of body, but 
strength of affection. 

"It may be gratifying to Mr. Gilpin's friends 
in Philadelphia," remarks Mr. Everett, " to know 
that he was appreciated at a distance. Of this 
fact I can give an affecting illustration. On his 
last visit to Philadelphia, Mr. Charles Sumner, as 
many here are well aware, one of the most accom- 
plished of American scholars, remarked to me that 
he was anxious to see Mr. Gilpin before he left 
the city. He had just returned from Europe, and 
he wished to bring to his friend the last tidings of 
those who knew, honored, and loved him, on the 
other side of the Atlantic. We went together to 



110 A MEMORIAL OF 

see him, and found liini in liis library, but so 
weak (tliis was the eighteenth day before his 
deatli) that he was unable to rise to receive n<. 
Yet he conversed with great animation, as fiivorite 
topics were introduced and the names of loving 
friends and kind messages fell from Mr. Sumner's 
lips. As I have already intimated, he regretted 
that Mr. Grote had not told us more of Greece, 
before he turned into the groves and porticos to 
listen and report to the world the great thoughts 
uttered by Aristotle and by Plato. He doubted 
whether Lord Macaulay would be able to bring 
down his eloquent history to the period assigned 
by him at its commencement. Alas! gentlemen, 
we little thought that the grave of the noble his- 
torian was then dug in Westminster Abbey, and 
that the feet of those who were to carry our friend 
to the burial were then almost at the door of his 
mansion. Yet Mr. Sumner was painfully im- 
pressed with the altered appearance of our late 



HENRY D. GILPIN. Ill 

associatr, and remarked to me as ^ve left the 
library, 'I am glad that I liave seen Mr. Gilpin, 
for I think I shall never see him again.' " 

It proved to be a true premonition. When we 
last sought him, gentlemen, we found him as we 
were accustomed to find him, in his noble library, 
surrounded in death by the books which in life he 
had loved so well. It was a solemn meeting; a 
day much to be remembered by all who cherish — 
and who does not cherish? — pleasing though sad 
recollections of the departed. 

Surrounded by the wisdom of all ages, whos^e 
immortal productions he had gathered from every 
clime; surrounded by the friends with whom he 
had often held sweet converse on the great themes 
which have employed the pens and divided the 
minds of the masters of science, of philosophy, 
and of letters ; his body was carried thence to 
" the house appointed for all living," while liis 
spirit, we humbly trust, is joined to that "great 



112 A MEMORIAL OF 

company ^\hoin no man can number, who, from 
every nation, and people, and tongue, are gathered 
together as trophies of redeeming love, to go out 
from thence no more forever." 

The President then submitting the resolution 
to a vote, it was unanimously adopted. 



NOTE. 

(See page 104.) 

The Gilpixs in Exglaxd axd America.— The familj- of Gilpin 
bad from a very early period been settled at Kentmere, county of 
Westmoreland, England. From Edwin Gilpin, who lived in the 
latter part of the fifteenth and beginning of the sixteenth century, 
were descended George Gilpin, the friend of Roger Ascham. Trivv 
Councillor of Queen Elizabeth, and Bernard Gilpin, the ''Apostle 
of the North," born 1517, died 1583. Thomas Gilpin, the great- 
nephew of Bernard, fought in the Parliamentary army, at AVorces- 
ter, against the Stuarts, and after their restoration settled at AVar- 
borough, in the vale of the Thames, exchanged his swurd for a 
ploughshare or pruning-hook, and became a member of the Society 
of Friends or Quakers. Joseph, the third son of Thomas, was born 
at AVarborough, in 1GC4, and settled on the banks of the Brandy- 
wine Creek, on the borders of the counties of Chester and Dela- 
ware, Pennsylvania, in 1G9G. Thomas Gilpin, the grandson of Jo- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 113 

seph, was born at this place {supra) March Ifc'th, 1728, and died at 
Winchester, Virginia, March 2d, 1778. Joshua Gilpin, the eldest 
son of Thomas Gilpin, and the father of Henry D. Gilpin, was born 
at Philadelphia November 8th, 1765, and died at Kentmere, on the 
Brandywine Creek, in 1842. Henry 1). Gilpin, son of Joshua Gil- 
pin, and the subject of this notice, was born in England in the year 
1801. and died January 29th, 1860. It will thus be seen that Henry 
D. Gilpin was the eighth in descent from Edwin Gilpin, who died 
some years after 1517, and the fourth in descent from Joseph Gilpin, 
who settled on the banks of the Brandywine in 1696. 



Shortly after the meeting of the Society, letters 
from Mr. Riyes and Mr. Dallas were received; 
and while this volume is in the hands of the 
printer, a letter from Mr. Grigsby, in reply to an 
invitation to meet the Society, at its annual din- 
ner, has appeared in the report thereof It has 
been thought proper to insert them here. 



II 



11-i AWEMORIALOF 



LETTER FROM MR. W. C. RIVES. 

Castle Hill, Februaiy 13, 1860. 

My Dear Sir: In consequence of an absence of 
several days from liome, I have just had the honor 
of receiving your letter of the Gth instant. 

As the proceedings before the Historical Society 
in honor of our lamented friend, Mr. Gilpin, are 
to take place to-day, it is now too late for me to 
say anything in time for that occasion, if, indeed, 
under any circumstances, I were capable of offer- 
ing a tribute at all worthy of his memory. No 
one could have felt more deeply pained at the un- 
expected announcement of his death than I did. 
I was looking forward with the liveliest interest 
to the prospect of meeting him soon and renewing 
my conversations with liim on subjects of common 
interest to us botli, wlien, to my great affliction 



HENRY D . G I L 1' I N , 



115 



and dismay, the intelligence of his death caught 
my eye in the coUnnns of a newspaper. 

Though I can hardly claim the honor of an inti- 
mate acquaintance with him, as our opportunities 
of personal intercourse Avere far less frequent than 
I could have wished, yet the amiahle hlandness of 
his manners, his winning modesty, the enhghtened 
candor of his opinions, and his cordial sympathy 
in all generous and noble pursuits, inspired me 
with sentiments of the warmest esteem, and made 
me constantly desirous of knowing more and more 
of him. In my last meeting with him, which was 
at Newport, just eighteen months ago, we entered 
together on a vein of speculation and inquiry 
which I promised myself the highest pleasure and 
instruction in pursuing with him at a future, and 
I then hoped not a distant period. I feel most 
keenly his loss, as well to the country as to the 
private circle which he adorned; and though not 
able to unite in the merited honors which will be 



116 A MEMORIAL OF 

rendered this day to his memory, I have the sad 
privilege of mingling my sorrows over his tomb 
with those of his most intimate and devoted 
friends. 

Believe me, my dear sir, with cordial regard, 
very truly and faithfully yours, 

WILLIAM C. RITES. 



LETTER FROM MR. GEO. M. DALLAS, MINISTER AT THE COURT 

OF ST. JAMES. 



My Dear Sir: I received through Mr. Triibner 
your letter referring to the death of my deeply la- 
mented friend Mr. Gilpin, and touching upon your 
interview with lum, and his mention of me. He 
was among the oldest and closest of my associates. 
I persuaded him to make his "premier pas" in 
politics, with a pamphlet in vindication of the 
policy of our government towards the Indians. 
From that moment he attracted the attention ho 



HENRY D. GILTIX. 117 

merited, and fulfilled the duties of a rising career 
until he entered Mr. Van Buren's cabinet as At- 
torney-General. The nature of his last illness 
appalled me. I begged him to abstain from writ- 
ing to me until his health was restored, and I con- 
tinued to write to him as often as I could, in the 
hope of contributing to cheer him. He was, how- 
ever, not conscious how fast he was going, and 
during a short restoration of energy about two 
weeks before he died, he wrote me one of the long- 
est letters I ever got from him — six pages of quarto 
paper — to which I replied with an earnest recom- 
mendation of a visit to Cuba — a recommenda- 
tion he jirobably did not live to receive. . . . 
Always faithfully and sincerely yours, 

GEORGE M. DALLAS. 



118 A MEMORIAL OF 



LETTER FROM MR. HUGH BLAIR GRIGSBY. 

Edgeiiill, Ya., October 26, ISr.O. 

My Dear Sir: I regret my inability to be pre- 
sent Avith YOU at Your anniYersarY festiYal on tlie 
8tli of NoYember. At tliis moment, ayIiou tlie 
great divisions of our common country arc appa- 
rently arrayed against each other, I look with 
greater regard than ever on those associations 
which, like your own, tend to freshen the recol- 
lections of a glorious past, and to assemble the 
patriots of all the States around a common altar. 

But as I cannot be present in person, may I 
take the liberty of proposing a sentiment to tlie 
memory of two departed friends, whom I loved 
while they were living, whom I lament now that 
they are gone, and who, thougli belonging to dif- 
ferent generations, and hailing from different 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 119 

States, have been united by the generous offices of 
literature in a common destiny. 
"With great respect, 

I am your friend and servant, 

HUGH BLAIR GRIGSBY. 
To TowNSEND Ward, Esq., riiiladelpliia. 

James Madison and Henry D. Gilpin. — As 
long as the published volumes of the writings of 
the sage of Montpelier survive, they will afford an 
honorable memorial of the indefatigable industry, 
the profound rcsearcli, and the glowing patriotism 
of their editor. 



120 A MEMORIAL OF 



It has been thought proper to insert in this 
part of the volume the following article from the 
riiiladelpliia Evening Bulletin of February 4th, 
1860. 



Noble Liberality. — In speaking of Harvard 
College, in a recent editorial, we adverted to tlie 
liberality which had so richly endowed that insti- 
tution, making it an honor to Massachusetts. In 
holding it up as an example to Pennsylvanians, 
we did not suppose that we should be able so soon 
to chronicle the generosity of one of our own citi- 
zens, and in directions, too, implying the finest 
kind of culture. 

It is understood that Henry D. Gilpin has left 
his large and valuable library — after tlic death of 
Mrs. Gilpin — to tlie Historical Society of Pennsyl- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 121 

vania, with provision also for a building in which 
the library shall be preserved. Wc presume that 
the building will also furnish accommodations for 
the meetings of the Society, and for the present 
library and works of art. 

The Society has long felt the need of a build- 
ing:. Its hall is in the tliird storv of the Athe- 
nieum, of course somewhat inconvenient of access. 
It is quite too small for meetings of the So- 
ciety of special interest, and for its growing 
library and gallery. The New York Historical 
Society has erected a suitable building, and its 
meetings are attended often by the elite of city 
and State. 

The history of Pennsylvania surely does not 
yield in interest to that of any sister State. 
"Founded by deeds of peace," its whole progress 
has been characterized by a steady honesty that 
challenges investigation. In our own city, and 
all over the State, those who laid the foundations 

12 



122 A MEMORIAL OF 

of society have been men of whom we may well 
be proud, and nothing can be more appropriate 
and interesting than that the active and energetic 
men of this generation should suitably honor 
them. 

Mr. Gilpin presided at the meeting of the So- 
ciety at which Mr. Granville John Penn presented 
the "Wampum Belt, which was the pledge of per- 
petual friendship at the Treaty made under the 
Elm, at Shackamaxon. "We had the pleasure of 
hearing the interesting address with which he 
welcomed Mr. Penn and received the belt. In 
the address Mr. Gilpin remarked: "The feeling 
that, as time is passing by, many interesting me- 
morials of the life and actions of Penn, and many 
events in the early annals of our State might sink 
into obli^■ion, induced those by Mhom our associa- 
tion was founded to endeavor to rescue, secure, 
and preserve them. At a meeting assembled in 
the humble edifice, yet existing, where AA'illiam 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 123 

Tcnn himself (hvclt, and on the anniversary of the 
day wlien he first handed on our shore, the design 
of forming such an institution had its origin. 

"The treaty of Shackamaxon — 'the treaty not 
sworn to and never hroken' — is the beacon spot 
in the history of Pennsylvania. The sloping mar- 
gin of the Delaware, with the site of its venerable 
elm, and the treaty made beneath its spreading 
branches, take their place in human story with 
the olive tree of Athens, on her rocky citadel, 
with the fountain of Numa, the meadow of Griitli, 
the island of Eunnymede, and the memorable 
events of which they were the scenes ; and when 
you, sir, come thus bearing this memorial, we wel- 
come you, not only as one who has guarded a tro- 
phy that honors the memory of him from whom 
it has descended to you, but because we are proud 
and ijrateful to receive it on behalf of the people 
of Pennsylvania, to whom it so appropriately be- 
longs; not, indeed, as the pledge of a compact 



124: A me:morial of 

they can now be called on to fulfil, but as the evi- 
dence and symbol of the Christian spirit in wliich 
their institutions were laid at the first, and of the 
standing obligations of benevolence and justice 
which they have inherited with them." 

These words, we now find, were not a mere 
form. Mr. Gilpin placed a proper estimate upon 
the Historical Society, as he has shown by the 
most satisfactory of all evidence. 

AVhile on this subject, we cannot refrain from a 
momentary digression to remark upon the unsatis- 
factory condition of the site of the Treaty Tree. 
Surely Philadelphia is not true to herself, or one 
of her finest parks would surround that spot, 
planted and ornamented in every suitable way, 
making that "sloping margin of the Delaware" 
a spot as beautiful as the recollections that em- 
balm it. 

But the other object to wliich Mr. Gilpin has 
devoted a portion of his ample fortune, is one 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 125 

every wav worthy of liim. If there be anythiii<r 
wliicli is needed to soften the rough aspect of a 
Republic, it is the Fine Arts. A few men have 
struggled nobly to sustain our Pennsylyania Aca- 
demy. They have preserved the valuable property 
on Chestnut Street, and they have secured as many 
valuable works of art as the limited means which 
have been placed at their disposal could command. 
Mr. Gilpin was, for some time, President of the 
Academy, and we now learn that he has left a 
handsome bequest to it. 

We will not even imagine the case that any of 
our readers need an argument to convince them 
of the refining, civilizing, and elevating influence 
of true art. But we always regret to see a man 
of wealth and intelligence passing from among us, 
without leaving any token in his will of his appre- 
ciation of the important public interests of the 
city where he lived, and where, in all probability, 
he amassed his wealth. There ought to be a 



126 A MEMORIAL OF 

public sentiment that would incline every such 
gentleman, as he deliberately pens the last docu- 
ment which is to link him to his fellow-men, to 
leave something behind him to benefit mankind 
-wh^n he has passed away — something by which 
he may be always pleasantly remembered by his 
fellow-citizens. 

There is another consideration which ouglit to 
have its benefits. The objects of religion and liu- 
manity which rightly claim our benefactions are 
appreciated by a very large circle. But such ob- 
jects as those which Mr. Gilpin has remembered — 
the reviving the history of the past with its other 
recollections and its inspiring lessons, and the 
infusing into the State of finer elements and the 
gleaming of a richer and brighter hue over soci- 
ety — appeal to comparati\cly few who luue the 
means of assisting them. The laying, therefore, 
of such foundations is a work eminently worthy 
of a gentleman of culture, and the Press, as the 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 127 

exponent of public sentiment, should place in 
clear and bright relief the names of men who 
thus honor themselves and their country. 



•I 



mOCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 



13 



MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 

Historical Rooms, Boston, Feb. 10, 1860. 

At a stated meeting of the Massachusetts liis- 
toi-ical Society, hekl in Boston on the 9tli of Feb- 
ruary, 18G0, it was unanimously 

Resohed, That the members of the Massacliu- 
setts Historical Society have received with be- 
coming sensibility the melancholy tidings of the 
decease of their honorary associate, Henry D. 
Gilpin, Esq , Vice-President of the Historical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania, President of the Pennsyl- 
vania Academy of Fine Arts, and a Director of 
the Girard College at Philadelphia. 

Resolved, That the various and distinguished 
accomplishments of Mr. Gilpin as a jurist, a 
statesman, and a scholar; his numerous and valu- 
able contributions to the historical and miscella- 



132 A MEMORIAL OF 

neons literature of tlie country; his eminent ser- 
vices as a friend and patron of education, of the 
fine arts, and the benevolent institutions of the 
community; and his recognized character as an 
enlightened and public-spirited citizen, entitle him 
to an honored place among the illustrious dead of 
the past twelvemonth, and will cause his name to 
be held in respectful and grateful remembrance. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be 
transmitted to the fimily of our lamented associ- 
ate, with the assurance of the sincere sympathv 
of the Massachusetts Historical Society in their 
bereavement. 

Attest: CHANDLER ROBBIXS, Record'g Sec'y. 

On Thursday evening, at a meeting of the 
Massachusetts Historical Society, ^Ir. Everett an- 
nounced to the members the death of Mr. Henry 
D. Gilpin, of rhiladel[)hia, and spoke substan- 
tially as follows: — 



HENRY D. GIL TIN. 133 



EULOGIUM BY MR. EDWARD EVERETT. 

At the meeting of the Society on the 26th of 
Jannary, I expressed the apprehension that we 
shonkl soon be called to lament the loss of a 
distinijnished honorary associate, Mr. Gilpin, of 
Philadelphia, of whose health I had received by 
telegraph a very unfavorable account in the course 
of that day. This melancholy anticipation was 
realized a day or two afterwards. Having had the 
privilege of proposing him, in the course of the 
past year, as an associate whose election would do 
honor to the Historical Society, and having en- 
joyed his friendship for many years, I feel it a 
duty to submit to the Society an appropriate tri- 
bute of respect to his memory. 

If we can with propriety use such an expression 
of the resigned and tranquil close of an honored 
and useful life, the death of ;Mr. Gilpin, under the 



13 J: A MEMORIAL OF 

age of sixty, was premature; but it found him 
prepared ; in his own parting words, he died " at 
peace with God and man." Born and educated 
in Phihidelphia, lie adopted the Law as his profes- 
sion, and rose rapidly to eminence in its practice. 
While yet a young man, he was appointed District 
Attorney of the United States, and afterwards 
Solicitor of the Treasury, and Attorney-General. 
He sustained himself honorably, at the most im- 
portant forum in the country, in these important 
positions, sometimes in opposition to the most 
distinguished counsel of the day. Xo interest 
confided to him ever suffered in his hands for 
want of ability or attention on his part; while to 
the utmost energy and firmness in the discharge 
of duty he added an unfiiiling gentleness and cour- 
tesy of manner. 

AMiile he filled tlic office of District Attorney, 
he published a volume of reports of cases adjudi- 
cated in the court of which he was an officer, and 



HENl'. Y 1). GILPIN. 135 

he afterwards made a collection of the opinions of 
the Attorneys-General, from the foundation of tlie 
ij'ovcrnment to the year 1841. He also, about the 
same time, rendered a very important service to 
the constitutional literature of the country, by a 
careful and conscientious collation and edition of 
tlie Madison Papers. Xo publication within my 
knowledge, issued under the auspices of tlie go- 
vernment of the United States, has been more 
judiciously and skilfully prepared for the press. 

]\Ir. Gilpin, although eminently successful in 
his professional and political career, appeared to 
be wholly destitute of political ambition, and re- 
tiring in early manhood from all public occupa- 
tions, devoted himself to the gratification of more 
congenial tastes. lie had always cultivated letters 
as his favorite recreation from professional toil, 
and henceforward gave himself almost exclusively 
to literary pursuits. He had been, from an early 
period, a successful and a popular writer in the 



136 A MEMO R I A L OF 

leading periodicals of tlic day, including the Quar- 
terly Eeviews. He Avrote many of the articles 
in the original edition of the Biographies of the 
Signers of tlic Declaration of Independence, and 
the second edition of that work was published 
under his supervision, with large additions, lie 
also wrote biographical notices of several distin- 
guished contemporaries, among others, of Mr. 
Livingston, Mr. Forsyth, and Mr. Silas Wright. 
His discourses and addresses on various public oc- 
casions are among the most valuable performances 
of the kind, alwavs admirabh" written, discrimi- 
nating, full of flxct, and in good taste. His ad- 
dress on the life and character of Franklin, deli- 
vered at Philadelpliia a few years since, contains 
one of the most judicious and instructive discus- 
sions of the entire career of our great countryman 
which have ever appeared. 

In the possession of ample means, Mr. Gilpin 
bestowed a liberal expenditure on tlie formation 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 137 

of a library. His collection consisted of twelve 
or fifteen thousand well-selected volumes, in the 
various departments of general literature. It was 
a library not of bibliographical rarities, but of 
books for use ; and he was as well acquainted with 
their contents as any man can be with the con- 
tents of a library of that size. He was among 
the most finished classical scholars in the country, 
and his shelves contained the best editions of the 
ancient authors, which he read systematically and 
with care. He collected maps, charts, and plans 
of cities, with great diligence, always, in his tra- 
vels, procuring the best articles of that kind, and, 
where nothing already published was to be had, 
he occasionally caused original drawings and 
sketches to be made, in order to complete a series. 
Mr. Gilpin's taste for the fine arts had been 
carefully cultivated by the study of the best works 
at home and abroad. His residence was tastefully 
adorned with valuable works of painting and sta- 

14 



138 A MEMORIAL OF 

tuary. lie was well acquainted with the cliavac- 
teristic merits of the great masters, which he had 
diligently observed in Europe. He took much 
interest in tlie progress of art at home, and was 
the President of the Pennsylvania Academy of 
Fine Arts, giving much time to the management 
of its affairs. 

He was an active member and a vice-president 
of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and had 
explored several branches of local antiquity with 
great accuracy. He was especially conversant 
with the political history of the United States, 
having added to a large acquaintance with the 
public men of the day the diligent perusal of 
every standard work in that department. In all 
his studies, the grasp of a very retentive memory 
was strengthened by great method in the arrange- 
ment and disposition of his books and papers. 

Mr. Gili)in had formed intimate personal rela- 
tions with some of tlie most eminent statesmen of 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 139 

the day. He was specially in the confidence of 
the late distinguished jurist, Mr. Livingston, who, 
if I mistake not, in preparing his code and the 
reports illustrating it, more than once resorted to 
Mr. Gilpin's store of professional knowledge, as 
well as to his amply furnished library. There are 
few subjects of literary, scientific, or professional 
inquiry on which important original views might 
not be gathered from his conversation or corre- 
spondence, and few persons, I presume, were more 
frequently consulted in this way by their friends. 

A few years ago Mr. Gilpin made an extensive 
tour in Europe and Western Asia. Xo American 
within my acquaintance has ever gone abroad 
better qualified to travel to advantage, or has re- 
turned with a richer store of personal observation. 
Acquainted beforehand with all tliat books could 
teach of the objects deserving attention, he de- 
voted to the discriminating inspection of what is 
really important that time which, under the dicta- 



140 A MEMORIAL OF 

tion of ignorant couriers, is Avastecl by so many 
travellers in vague curiosity-hunting and tasteless 
sight-seeing. 

IVIr. Gilpin took an enlightened interest in the 
subject of education, and especially in the Girard 
College, of which he was an active and efficient 
director. In frequent visits to Philadelphia with- 
in the last few years, I had abundant opportunitv 
to become acquainted with the minute and trulv 
parental care with wliicli he watched over that 
institution, not merely in matters of general ad- 
ministration, but witli kindly sympathy with the 
individual inmates and their progress. 

It would be hardly proper before a public bodv 
to speak of Mr. Gilpin in tlie relations of private 
life, further than to say that he might be cited as 
a model son, brother, husband, and friend; unsur- 
passed in tlie courtesies whicli make the charm of 
social intercourse, and convert even a i)assing visit 
into a substantial enjoyment. 



HENRY D. G I LI' IX. 14 1 

My. Gilpin left a haiKlsomo fortiiiu'. Tlir pro- 
visions of his will, executed a short time before 
his death, liave been made public, and show that, 
after obeying in the amplest manner the impulses 
of affection and duty, he contemplated munificent 
and permanent endowments of the public institu- 
tions witli which he was connected. Tlie grave 
has rarely closed over a character of such great 
and varied excellence, and his death is a loss not 
merely to Philadelphia, but to tlie whole country. 



l^ROCEEDIXGS 



OK THE 



CHICAGO IIISTORICAL SOCIETY, 



CHICAGO IIISTOIUCAL SOCIETY. 

At a stated meeting of this Society, held Feb- 
ruary 21, 1860, Mr. W. H. Brown, President, in 
the chair, a letter addressed to the President from 
Mr. Charles Macalester, of Philadelphia, one of 
the executors of the last will and testament of the 
late Henry D. Gilpin, of that city, deceased, was 
read, communicating the intelligence that this 
Society had been made one of the residuary lega- 
tees, in the provisions of said will, and transmit- 
ting a printed copy of the wqll, for the Society's 
information and use. 



15 



146 A MEMORIAL OF 



REMARKS OF MR. WILLIAM BARRY. 

After submitting the above letter, Mr. Barry, 
the Secretary, remarked that, in communicating 
to the Society the important announcement just 
made, he deemed it to belong to others, who had 
the privilege and honor of a personal acquaintance 
with the late Mr. Gilpin, to speak in fitting terms 
of the distinguished benefaction which is to con- 
nect his name henceforth so pre-eminently with 
this institution, and of those estimable qualities of 
mind and heart which, by those who knew him 
best, were most profoundly loved and honored. 
His general life and career have, from the varied 
and eminent positions he has occupied, been long 
known. Born in ISOl, educated at the University 
of Pennsylvania, where he graduated with honor 
in IblD, his successful career at the bar early in- 
troduced him into public life, in his appointment. 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 147 

in 1832, to the office of United States Attorney in 
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, followed by 
that of Solicitor of the United States Treasury, in 
1837, and by the distinguished appointment of 
Attorney-General of the United States, in 1840. 

To have filled such posts with the honoring ap- 
proval of his countrymen would alone entitle his 
name to respect. But that he loved place less for 
the distinction it confers than as a more command- 
ing sphere for the exercise of his talents, and the 
indulgence of his refined taste and superior cul- 
ture, is evident, not only from his highly valued 
publication of the opinions given by those holding 
the office of Attorney-General of the United States 
from the organization of the Federal Government, 
prepared by him amidst the pressure of official 
duty, but also from the fiicility and preference 
with which, while yet in the morning of his fame 
and success, he retired to the calm privacy of do- 
mestic life, and to the congenial associations of 



148 A MEMORIAL OF 

that accomplished circle of literary friends, by 
whose appreciative esteem he was honored and 
cherished to the last. 

Of his merits and accomplishments as a tho- 
rough scholar and man of taste, the late Mr. Gil- 
pin has left numerous testimonials, in his honor- 
able appointment to edit the papers of Madison, 
in the biographical tributes he has rendered to 
many of the fathers and statesmen of our country, 
and in his extensive and valued contributions to 
the periodical literature of the United States. 
Of his services to literature and art no higher 
encomium can be offered than his cordial appoint- 
ment, in a city justly distinguished for its love of 
letters and encouragement of the elegant arts, to 
the highest offices in its two leading institutions, 
the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and the 
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; of the for- 
mer of which he was, at his decease, Vice-Presi- 
dent, and of the latter President. 



HENRY D. GILPIX. 149 

It was ill harmony witli a life so generously 
consecrated to some of the liigliest of human inte- 
rests that it should find its consummation in the 
memorable acts of liberality which are to associate 
Mr. Gilpin's name hereafter with those institutions 
of this and of his native city, devoted to the ob- 
jects which were among the first in his own esteem 
and pursuit. No one can inspect the careful man- 
ner in which the provisions of his will were framed 
without a profound respect for his judgment, wis- 
dom, and intelligent forethought, as well as admi- 
ration for the delicacy, generosity, and warmth of 
his sentiments. Others can better say how truly 
the general character of his life was exemplified 
in this its closing and crowning act. 



Mr. William B. Ogdex then addressed the So- 
ciety in an impressive manner, substantially as 
follows : — 



150 A MEMORIAL OF 



REMARKS OF MR. WILLIAM B. OGDEX. 

Having had the lionor of a personal acquaint- 
ance, for many years, with the late Mr. Gilpin, 
and having sustained relations with him of a very 
friendly character, which had brought them into 
frequent communication, and under circumstances 
calculated to convey a just impression of his per- 
sonal character, as well as of the beauty of his pri- 
vate life, it gave him the most cordial satisfaction 
to express his sense of his eminent worth as a 
man, of his fine culture and scholarly tastes, and of 
those superior qualities which fitted him to adorn 
the select society which he gathered about him, 
rendering his home the seat of a refined and ele- 
gant hospitality, which attracted towards him the 
warmest esteem of all who had the privilege of 
sharing his friendship. 

Honored in early life as few have been, by calls 



HENRY D. GILT IN. 151 

to distinguished positions of trust and influence, 
he long since retired from pubUc Hfe, in tlic pos- 
session of an ample estate, surrendering liimself 
to the attractions of his home and library, but yet 
exercising a beneficent influence, as uell as in- 
dulfriuix his liberal tastes, in connection with those 
institutions of his native city which he has so 
generously remembered in his will, and which had 
honored him with their highest offices. 

While on a visit to Europe some years since, he 
availed himself of the favorable opportunity thus 
afforded him, to visit the chief repositories of 
learning and art in the old world. Few were bet- 
ter fitted by nature and cultivation to profit by 
such advantages. This had been his long-clic- 
rished desire; and its execution enabled him to 
return to his native land with collections in litera- 
ture and art of a rare and interesting character, 
which it was his pride and joy to arrange about 



152 A MEMORIAL OF 

him for his personal gratification, as well as that 
of his numerous friends. 

Of his spacious mansion, on one of the princi- 
pal streets of Philadelpliia, an entire story, of 
large depth, was devoted to the treasures selected 
and accumulated abroad by his excellent judgment 
and refined taste. Here were to be seen an ample 
library, composed of the choicest works of learn- 
ing and science, and a collection of works of art, 
reproducing in well-executed copies some of the 
finest productions of European genius. Among 
these it was his delight to pass his days, in the 
society of men of congenial tastes, devoting his 
time with a generous zeal to the higher interests 
of his native city, where his talents, character, and 
influence were held in the highest esteem. Here, 
in the privacy of his home, was his character dis- 
played with peculiar beauty; and those who had 
the privilege of admission to it could not but be 
struck with the case, courtesy, and grace which 



nEXRY I). GILPIN. 153 

distinguished his manners, and the marked happi- 
ness of his domestic relations. 

The late Mr. Gilpin was early associated with 
our own city. Being a proprietor here of exten- 
sive estates, he had from time to time visited it, 
and was an eye-witness of its remarkable pros- 
perity and growth. His intelligent and generous 
forecast looked into its future, and prompted, 
doubtless, the munificence which has been so sig- 
nally expressed in his liberal provision for the 
interests of this Society, whose rooms he had per- 
sonally visited, and for whose success he indulged 
the kindliest interest. He has thus durably con- 
nected his name with our city, not as a proprietor 
only, but as one of its chief benefactors; for that 
the generous designs contemplated by the late Mr. 
Gilpin will be fully carried out, not a doubt can 
be entertained. 

On an occasion of such importance and interest, 
it were unfitting to offer such testimonials only of 

16 



154 A MEMORIAL OF 

our gratitude and respect as the feelings of the 
moment may prompt. A due respect for so dis- 
tinguished a munificence, to so honored a bene- 
factor, renders it proper to propose and to adopt 
with deliberation, an appropriate expression of the 
sentiments inspired by this event. 

Mr. Ogden then moved that a committee be 
appointed to take into consideration the bequest 
made by the late Mr. Gilpin to this Society, and 
report such resolutions as they deem proper. 

After additional remarks by Mess. Arnold, E. 
B. M'Cagg, E. H. Sheldon, and others, the motion 
was unanimously adopted; and Mr. W. B. Ogden, 
M. Skinner, and I. N. Arnold were appointed to 
constitute the committee. 

The following resolutions, subsequently rejjorted 
by Judge Skinner, in behalf of the committee, 
were unanimously passed: — 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 155 

Whereas this Society hns been informed, 
thvonrrh the attention of the execntors of the last 

* 

will and testament of the late Ilenvy D. Gil[)in, 
of riiiladelphia, recently deceased, that it has 
been named as one of the residuary legatees in 
said will, with provisions for the execution of the 
generous and enlightened designs thereby intend- 
ed, which reflect the highest honor upon the intel- 
ligence, wisdom, and public spirit of the honored 
testator: 

Resolved, That this Society entertain the most 
grateful sense of the distinfT^uished benefit and aid 
tluis contemplated and provided for in its behalf, 
and for the permanent interests of learning and 
art in this young city, by the munificent bequest 
of the late Mr. Gilpin — an act held in yet higher 
estimation and gratitude from the interesting as- 
sociations of their benefoctor with this city, the 
intended recipient of his bounty, his estimable 
qualities as a man, his merits and services as a 



156 A MEMORIAL OF 

scholar, and his life of public usefulness and pri- 
vate virtue, which have secured for him not only 
the warm, enduring, and honorable esteem of his 
immediate associates and personal friends, but en- 
titled him to a place among those who have done 
honor to our common countrv. 

Resolved, That in proof of their high estimation 
of the bequest thus provided for, this Society will 
gratefully and faithfully endeavor to carry out the 
enliglitened and liberal intentions of their bene- 
factor for the good of this community, and that, 
in perpetual commemoration of his character and 
benefaction, arrangements be made to procure the 
execution of his bust in marble, to be placed and 
preserved forever in the library of the Society. 

Resolved, That the members of this Society 
tender to the family and immediate friends of the 
late Mr. Gilpin their most respectful sympathy 
and condolence, in llie removal of one, the honor- 
able esteem of whose name was so intimately con- 



HENRY I). GILPIxV. 157 

nected witli those qualities of personal and private 
worth Avhieli will forever consecrate his memory 
in the hearts of his friends. 

WILLIAM BARRY, Sec'ry, &c. 

Historical Rooms, Chicago, Sept. 18, 1860. 
To !Mrs. Henry D. Gilpin. 

Madam: By this Society's direction I have the 
honor to transmit to you the accompanying copy 
of Resolutions, unanimously adopted at their 
meeting held tliis day, in commemoration and ac- 
knowledgment of the distinguished munificence 
displayed towards this institution by the late Mr. 
Gil[)in, as well as in testimony of their profound 
and grateful esteem for his memory, and their 
most respectful sentiments of condolence witli his 
devoted friends. 

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect, 
Madam, your most ob't humble serv't, 

AVILLIA^I RARUY, Recora'g Sec'y. 



fl 



PllOCEEDINGS 



OF THK 



AMERICAN T'lIILOSOrHlCAL SOCIETY. 



AMERICAN PHILOSOPIIICAL SOCIETY. 

Stated Meeting, September 21, 18G0. 

Vice-President, Mr. George Sharswood, in the 
chair. 

An obituary notice of the late member, Henry 
D. Gilpin, was read by Mr. Joseph H. IngersoU. 



ADDRESS OF MR. JOSEPH R. INGERSOLL. 

It is not always easy to account for the success 
that appears habitually to accompany the career 
of particular individuals. Where great merit ex- 
ists, the circumstance seems naturally to explain 
itself. But good fortune is not necessarily or at 
all times the comjianion of great qualities. It is 
in some respects capricious, and many persons in 



162 A M E M H I A L OF 

ordinary life have tliouglit that they had reason 
to put faith, as Bonaparte did in war, in the influ- 
ence of a friendly star. One of the richest pri- 
vate men of the age is said to have disclaimed all 
riirht on the score of abilities and skill, or even of 
careful management of his affairs, and to have 
imputed his wonderful prosperity to what he mo- 
destly called Luck. A very moderate degree of 
merit, and a seeming indifference to opportunities 
for gathering riches within easy reach, do not pre- 
vent the accidents of many a life from being 
marked with a frequent attainment of wealth. It 
may happen, too, though perhaps more rarely, that 
much positive desert, combined with laborious and 
comparatively well directed exertions, will fail in 
receiving a just reward in what are regarded the 
sifts of fortune. Each of these conditions must be 
looked upon as an excej)tion to a sound general 
rule. As such they are far from disproving its 
realitv or soundness. They serve, indeed, while 



HENRY I) . G I L P 1 1^. 163 

the departures from it arc only occasional, to ron- 
iirni the existence and establish the truth of a 
principle, worthy to be cherished in all the rela- 
tions of life. Otherwise they would be strange 
contradictions in practice of some of the best les- 
sons of philosophy. They are at variance with 
established maxims of wisdom, witli daily lessons 
of experience, with doctrines of universal moral- 
ity, and with the earnest and virtuous promptings 
of conscious and enlightened duty. Could they 
be considered in any other light, they would go 
far to impeach the instructions which should never 
be lost sight of, that foresight and discretion are 
commonly the companions of virtue, and that folly 
is often the forerunner of crime. Cause and 
effect, are inherent in our nature. Their imme- 
diate connection is not always to be seen. It is 
nevertheless true that almost every event in the 
history of individuals or nations, although not 
easily to be traced to its sometimes hidden origin, 



16J: A MEMORIAL OF 

is tlie result of a possibly remote but efficient 
cause. Merit and demerit, and the fruits of them 
in conduct must have their consequences. The 
safest lesson that philosophy can teach, is that the 
fortunate are the wise. Contingencies exist in all 
human affairs against which the utmost prudence 
cannot always guard. Open hostility sometimes, 
and that of a secret and insidious kind still more 
frequently, is entertained against the deserving. 
The maxim is well founded, that every beginning 
is arduous. Difficulties unseen and unknown as 
well as such as are perceived, beset its path, and 
do not always vanish when the novelty of the un- 
dertaking is worn away. The wisest cannot at all 
times foresee everything that is before them; and 
the bravest may be unable to overcome combina- 
tions whether anticipated by the eftbrts of reason 
or overlooked by them. AN'ith all these possible 
dangers and obstacles, there can be no doubt that 
a union of good qualities of head and mind and 



HEXRY D. GILPIN. 165 

heart, carried firmly into practical use, will not 
onl}' always deserve, but will in general command 
success. Clear intelligence, sound morality, and 
benevolent feeling, animating the conduct, and 
manifested with unaffected simplicity in outward 
deportment, will in most instances dispel difficul- 
ties, however obstinate, and triumph over the 
most formidable dangers. It is happy, not only 
for the individual possessor of them, but for the 
best interests of social life with which he is sur- 
rounded, that these ingredients of character, each 
of them of value in itself, but inestimable when 
combined in spirit and practised together, are re- 
flected by general esteem, respect, and gratitude. 

To the honor of human nature it is sometimes 
seen that success has been almost uniformly the 
companion of merit during the career of a long 
and active life. This companionship of desert 
and reward, may not always have attracted the ob- 
servation of the unthinking world, but the truth 



166 A MEMORIAL OF 

lias nevertheless existed, although by the mass of 
men unperceived, and the discerning few have 
known that it at least was hidden in the centre. 
The one has been the natural if not tlie necessary 
consequence of the otlicr, and not a mere acci- 
dental coincident. Even commonplace attention 
to duties is productive of obvious results. Why 
should not loftier habits be equally fruitful in the 
accomplishment of groat ends? Industry is ne- 
cessary for the attainment of knowledge and skill. 
^^'arm friendships must be for the most part a re- 
turn for acts and feelings of kindness and regard. 
Sympathy is the most grateful emotion of the 
heart. Tokens of respect from the world are the 
result not merely of licroism and other brilliant 
qualities, but more commonly of good conduct in 
the cvery-day intercourse of life, and especially of 
liberality and kindness in word and action. Hap- 
pily, illustrations are not wanting in familiar inter- 
course. The absence of them would be a sorry 



n E N K Y D . G I L P 1 N . 107 

proof of tlic degeneracy of tlic age. If they are 
rare, tlie fact cannot justly be pleaded in extenua- 
tion of wilful error, or of an under-estimatc of the 
value of wisdom and virtue, or of determined and 
persevering efforts to do what is riglit. Other 
and more exalted motives for good conduct, be- 
sides and above the policy of it, are exi)erienced 
in a self-approving conscience and the tranquil 
feeling of satisfaction, if not of elevated enjoy- 
ment. Should it happen now and then that dis- 
appointment of positive reward follows proper 
actions, the monitor within is a lasting and more 
than sufficient equivalent. 

In proceeding to discharge, however imper- 
fectly, the duty I am called upon to perform, the 
course of reflection which has been submitted 
seemed not inappropriate as preliminary, and 
could scarcely escape the mind of one who was 
long in friendly relations with the subject of this 
obituary notice. He was a striking proof of merit 



168 A MEMORIAL OF 

and success in apt and ordinary coincidence. A 
record of his course of life becomes appropriate 
to this Society. It is history teaching by exam- 
ple, which is a rich department of the science of 
philosophy. A familiar acquaintance with his 
character, and his pursuits which were always in 
consistency with it, will not be an unprofitable 
lesson. His conduct was such, that although not 
many of his contemporaries may be found to re- 
semble him, yet an imitation of it, while worthy 
of the efforts of the most ambitious, need not be 
avoided by any extreme of modesty. Without re- 
sorting to any violent efforts, either in transactions 
of business and the performance of duty, or in 
the exhibitions of voluntary usefulness, he ap- 
peared to reach the desired ends by steady and 
well directed pursuit. Perhaps the very absence 
of excessive effort was, unconsciously to himself, 
one of the efficient causes of their being attained. 
A mind and body gently stimulated to moderate 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 169 

but adequate activity, by due self reliance, and 
happy in the continual exercise of it under tlie 
guidance of integrity and good feeling, but avoid- 
ing errors that are too commonly consequences of 
undue zeal and precipitancy, are the most likely 
to succeed. The possessor of them, to quote from 
high authority, is "like a tree planted by the rivers 
of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his sea- 
son; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever 
he doeth shall prosper." Discretion is the essence 
of wisdom. It is the master key that ought to 
unlock fortune's casket. This golden rule is as 
ancient as it is general and true. In application 
and exercise, it is nearly as multiplied as the fomi- 
lies of the human race. All history confirms, and 
experience exhibits the concurring sense of the 
wise and virtuous, that to be discreet is to deserve 
if not to command good fortune. 

It is a remarkable circumstance that in what 
was probably the last act of business in the life of 

18 



170 A M E M R I A L F 

one who was so circumspect upon nearly every 
other occasion, the characteristic precaution of our 
departed fellow member seems to ha\ e been forgot- 
ten by him. The will of ^Ir. Gilpin is believed 
to have been prepared b} him some weeks and 
perhaps even months before it was executed. It 
w^as then written by himself, without conference 
or consultation with anv one. It was not at any 
time exhibited or made known even to his wife, 
between whom and himself unlimited confidence 
prevailed. One offer or more was made by him 
to that effect, which was declined by her from 
motives of delicacy or a feeling- of tenderness and 
sensibility ; and the contents were not actually 
known by her either before or after its execution, 
cither in the original draught or final copy by the 
scrivener. lie could scarcely have been aware of 
the extremity of his illness, and how nearly he 
had approached its fatal end, or the formal com- 
pletion of the needful work would not have been 



HENRY D. GILl'IN. 171 

delayed so long. lie may, in a condition of much 
and increasing feebleness, have lost sight, at the 
moment, of the recent law of Pennsylvania forbid- 
ding, at the approach of death, bequests to bodies 
politic or persons in trust for religious or charita- 
ble uses. Or he may have hazarded a construction 
of the terms of the statute which will give rise to 
difficulty. It would have been clearer and better 
for his cherished views, if the will had been made 
perfect in all respects, immediately after the ori- 
ginal was written by his own hand. This original 
was destroyed, and a copy, literal in all particulars, 
was adopted. This was executed on the ITth of 
January, 1860, in the presence of three witnesses, 
in due and sufficient form. The life of the testa- 
tor was then drawing towards its close, with all 
the perceptions of a bright intellect altogether 
unimpaired. He lived but twelve days afterwards. 
On the 29th of January, 1860, he breathed his 
last. Probate in the proper office was made on 



172 A MEMORIAL OF 

tlie 3d of February. Each event occurred within 
less than thirty days of the date and execution of 
the will. 

It has been feared by some that the course of 
tliese transactions may prove to have been unfor- 
tunate for the ultimate objects of bounty and pub- 
lic spirit named in the testament. A calendar 
month certainly did not elapse between the date 
of the instrument and the melancholy event which 
prevented the possibility of explanation or correc- 
tion by the hand that made it, if such should be 
found to have been important. If these fears 
have any foundation, a counterpart may be made 
to appear of the maxim which claims good fortune 
for the legitimate offspring of discretion, by exhi- 
biting evil fortune as resulting from its absence at 
a critical moment. At the same time a signal 
proof may be afforded how tlie uniform facility 
with which discretion and success have ffone alone: 
hand in liand together, with scarcely a failure, 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 173 

during a somewhat protracted life, may together 
cease as it approaches its close. 

The will is peculiar, and strongly indicative of 
the character of the framer. AVitli some small 
exceptions, the great bulk of a large estate is 
given, in terms of warm affection and gratitude, 
to the writer's amiable wife, for her life. This is, 
happily, subject to no sort of contingency. It 
will take effect and be enjoyed by her in immedi- 
ate and undisputed possession. This large endow- 
ment is accompanied by requesting her, however, 
to pay therefrom, to his mother, whom he men- 
tions in terms of the strongest endearment, annu- 
ally, during her life, the sum of two thousand five 
hundred dollars. He gives to his wife, absolutely, 
all his furniture of every description, plate and 
wines, except his books, manuscript and printed, 
and his pictures, statues, and works of art, and of 
these she is to have the uncontrolled use and \)o^- 
session during her life. Should his mother outlive 



174 A MEMORIAL OF 

his wife, lie gives her, during licr life, tlie income 
of his estate. Subject to the gift, devise, and be- 
quest to his wife and mother, which he desires to 
be carried into full effect, he gives to the executors 
and trustees named in the will all his estate, real 
and personal, in trust, for the following purposes. 
After the death of his wife and mother, whichever 
shall last occur, and after the entire payment of cer- 
tain bequests, then to appropriate, etc., the rest and 
residue of the estate, as it may then be, in tliree 
equal parts. First, one-tliird part to certain trus- 
tees named, in trust, to invest and reinvest the 
same at interest in public stocks of the city of 
Philadelphia; and after a period of ten years, and 
as mucli longer as they may deem expedient, then 
to appropriate the income accumulated up to that 
time, to the erection of a fireproof library build- 
ing, to be a part of a fireproof edifice of the His- 
torical Socictv of rennsvlvania, when one shall 
be erected, to be in itself fireproof, entirely dis- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 175 

tinct from any other portion of the said edifiec, 
tlioiigh connected with and forming a part of it, 
and to be designated the "Gilpin Library of the 
Historical Society of Pennsylvania." After the 
Society's edifice and this library building shall be 
finished, then to appropriate to the use of the Gil- 
pin Library, annually, the entire income of the 
said one-third part of the rest and residue, and to 
continue to invest and reinvest the ]n-incipal in 
the public stocks aforesaid. He also directs the 
executors and trustees of his will to deliver to the 
last named trustees, when they shall deem it expe- 
dient, his entire library of books and manuscripts 
which he may possess at his death, to be placed 
in that Library. The second of the one-third parts 
of the rest and residue he bequeaths in a manner 
similar to the first, for the erection of a fireproof 
gallery of the Fine Arts, to be a part of a fireproof 
edifice of the Academy, wlien one shall be erected, 
but to be entirely distinct, though connected with 



176 A MEMORIAL OF 

and forming a part of it; to be designated "The 
Gilpin Gallery of the Pennsylvania Academy of 
the Fine Arts." After the building and edifice 
shall be entirely completed, the entire income of 
this one-third to be annually appropriated to the 
use of the Gilpin Gallery, and the principal to 
continue to be invested and reinvested. lie also 
requests the executors and trustees of his will to 
deliver to the trustees of the Gilpin Gallery all 
his pictures, statuary, and works of the fine arts 
which he may possess at his death, including, if 
she will permit it, his wife's own portrait and 
statue, to be placed in and never to be taken from 
the gallery. The remaining third part of the rest 
and residue he bequeaths in a similar manner to 
the others, for the erection of a fireproof library 
building, to be a part of a fireproof edifice of the 
Historical Societv of Chica2:o, to be desiujnated 
"The Gilpin library of the Historical Society of 
Chicago." After the edifice and building shall 



II E N R Y ]) . r, I L r I X . 177 

be completed, the entire income of this one-tliinl 
to be appropriated to the use of tliis Gilpin Li- 
brary, and the princi[)al to continue to be invested 
and reinvested. 

These principal items of the will ]in.\e thus 
been set forth as characteristic marks of the tastes 
and tendencies of the testator. His preference 
for books and works of art was habitual, and it 
was clearly manifested in his own collections, con- 
sisting of a large private library, and of marble 
statuary which he had imported from Italy, and 
other productions of the same character. The 
above description of the legacies will serve also 
to furnish means of judging how far the danger 
may or may not be imminent of failure and disap- 
pointment in the expected fruits of benevolence 
and public spirit, from a correct interpretation of 
the act of Assembly of Pennsylvania, which lias 
been alluded to. In the event of such failure, 
these bounties would become subject to distribu- 

19 



173 A MEMORIAL OF 

tion according to law, witliout any guide from the 
will of the testator, as it contains no ultimate 
residuary clause, or other provision against contin- 
gencies. Could this possibility of defeat to his 
sanguine and cherished hopes have been imagined, 
it might readily have been guarded against by a 
few words of conditional direction, which would 
have given certainty to favorite purposes, in de- 
fiance of jealous legislation, and strained judicial 
construction. 

An act of Assembly of 26th April, 1855, contains 
a section (11) in these words: "No estate, real or 
personal, shall hereafter be bequeathed, devised, 
or conveyed to any body politic, or to any person, 
in trust for religious or charitable uses, except the 
same be done by deed or will, attested by two 
credible, and at the same time, disinterested wit- 
nesses, at least one calendar month before the de- 
cease of the testator or alienor; and all dispositions 
of property contrary hereto shall be void, and go 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 170 

to the residuary legatee or devisee, next of kin, 
or heirs according to law: Provided, that any dis- 
position of property within said period bona fide 
made for a fair, valuable consideration, shall not 
be hereby avoided." 

This statute has been the subject of judicial 
determination before the Supreme Court of Penn- 
sylvania. A will was made in 1 8.3(5, and the tes- 
tator died within less than a calendar month from 
its date. The residue of the estate, after payment 
of debts and liabilities, was left " in trust for the 
uses and purposes of Friends' Boarding-School at 
West Town." The heirs and next of kin filed their 
bill, alleging that the school was a religious and 
charitable institution; that they were the parties 
who would have been entitled to the estate if 
there had been no will ; and asking for an order 
upon the executors to transfer the same to them. 
Learned and able arguments were submitted on 
both sides. It was contended for the complain- 



180 A MEMORIAL OF 

ants that tlie words of tlic statute " reliu:ious and 
charitable uses" are used in their broadest signiii- 
cance. The effect of the will would be to cheapen 
education to those who could pay, and give it gra- 
tuitously to those who could not. This, it was 
submitted, constitutes a charitable institution. It 
was also a religious institution. It was established 
to encourajje "a s^uarded education of their youth." 
It was confined to tlicm, and was to be managed 
with " religious care and circumspection." On 
the other side it was contended that the words of 
a statute are to be taken in their ordinary and 
familiar signification, for jus et norma loquendi is 
governed by usage. But if the usage have been 
to construe the words of a statute contrary to their 
obvious meaning by the vulgar tongue, and the^ 
common acceptation of terms, such usage is not to 
be regarded. It was plain that the legislature 
was using words in their popular, and not in their 
scholastic or technical sense ; that not a single 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 181 

instance was to be found where tlie legislature 
intended the words "charitable" or "religions" to 
embrace the idea of "literary" or "scientific" 

bodies. 

The Conrt adopted the views of the complain- 
ants. "It was true," they said, " that the words of 
a statute are generally to be understood in their 
usual and most known signification, not so much 
regarding the propriety of grammar as their popu- 
lar sense." " But when terms of art or technical 
terms are used (and there is nothing in the statute 
to show that they were used in a restricted or 
popular sense)," "they must be taken according to 
the acceptation of the learned in the art, trade, or 
science" to which they properly belong. The 
Court entertained no doubt that the words were 
intended to embrace objects of a religious, literary, 
and scientific character, as well as those which 
related to the poor and afflicted. It was there- 
fore decided that the dispositions in the will were 



182 A MEMORIAL OF 

void; and that the executors make distribution 
among the heirs and next of kin. 

It would scarcely be in place here to question 
this learned decision; or, perhaps, even to examine 
into its bearing upon the will of Mr. Gilpin. 
The friends of the deceased, however, and the 
public at large, have made his bequests the topic 
of remark and discussion from the time they were 
known. Valuable institutions of literature, sci- 
ence, and art, are deeply interested in the construc- 
tion of them. They are to take effect in any 
event, only at what may be hoped is a remote 
day, after the death of the wife and mother of the 
deceased, whichever shall last occur. The sisr- 
nificance of these bequests in amount, the high 
character of the institutions for which they are 
designed, the characteristic public spirit and libe- 
rality breathed in them, even the mystery which 
belongs to their future and distant development, 
and the curiosity and concern naturally felt in the 



H E N R Y 1) . G I L P I N . 183 

disposition of a large estate, different as it is from 
the more common course of testamentary disposal, 
have combined to prompt and justify a somc\vliat 
minute explanation. It is given in order that the 
friends of the deceased and the public at large 
may be prepared to meet the question, if it shall 
ever be formally agitated. It may not be wrong 
to add, that, although no technical judgment has 
been pronounced, yet sound legal minds are be- 
lieved to have formed opinions favorable to the 
complete and literal fulfilment of tlie expressed 
purposes of the will. 

In recurring to the habits of Mr. Gilpin's life, 
and noticing, summarily, its incidents, a combina- 
tion will be found of devoted attention to official 
dutv in successive places of public employment, 
and of readiness to turn to voluntary exercises, 
sometimes having public ends in view, and some- 
times of a more social character. He was indus- 
trious in both. In the latter kind of exercises he 



18-i A MEMORIAL OF 

either obeyed the call of associations, political or 
literary, with which he was more or less closely 
connected, or entered from his own praiseworthy 
impulses, upon an arena where good taste and 
scholarship were displayed in speech and writing, 
congenial to his own feelings and the pleased in- 
struction of his friends. These employments were 
varied by a relaxation of literary leisure in the 
companionship of books, which supplied his stores 
of knowledge, and a moderate and cheerful in- 
dulgence in the enjoyments of domestic and social 
intercourse, in which he took a lively interest, and 
was always well received. Pie was not only never 
idle, but never without what may be regarded as 
sufficient occupation of mind. He conversed 
freely and sensibly, always with entire delicacy of 
thouglit and speech, and with entire freedom from 
everything like personal detraction. Had his 
bodily exercises been as carefully attended to, his 
life would probably have been prolonged. It was 



HENRY D, GILPIN. 185 

perceived too late that he had not submitted to 
enough of this important discipKne to give vigor 
to his frame, or to resist the encroachments of dis- 
ease. Sedentary habits Avere agreeable to him. 
He preferred tlic repose of study to the activity 
of exercise. He did not even afford himself ha- 
bitually the ordinary relief of an occasional walk, 
which in itself would have been an irksome effort 
to him. Always desirous of occupation, and seek- 
ing to be in the way of it, he turned to his library 
even at unseasonable moments. This would occur 
at a late period of the evening, whicli had been 
passed for hours in the society of his friends. 
These habits will serve to explain the constancy 
of the engagements of his pen. He appears ne- 
ver to have tired of his desk. When not using it 
at the invitation of others, he gave it employment 
as a kind of duty or agreeable exercise for him- 
self This was, perhaps, the rather indulged from 

20 



1S6 A MEMORIAL OF 

the fact, that among his accomplishments was that 
of writing an excellent hand. 

With siicli tastes as these, which appear to 
have been inherent in his nature, and were fully 
developed in the progress of years, it was a happy 
circumstance that he had passed that portion of 
boyhood which receives the elements of education, 
in a country where classical learning is especially 
cultivated. He had been at an early period care- 
fully imbued with it. A school at Ilemel-Hemp- 
stead, twenty-three miles from London, was kept 
by Dr. Hamilton, a highly respectable and well- 
known teacher, who received and educated a very 
limited number of young gentlemen at a time. 
Young Gilpin was at this school for four years, 
and the well-grounded tastes and acquirements 
there instilled never abandoned him. His imme- 
diate paternal ancestors were Americans, coming 
from a British stock. His father (Mr. Joshua Gil- 
pin) was a higlily respectable merchant of Phila- 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 187 

dclpliia, and afterwards removed to tlic State of 
Delaware. He there continued to reside during 
the remainder of his life, connected with his bro- 
ther in a large manufacturing establishment on 
the Brandy wine. He participated, as long as his 
health continued, in the relations of social life, and 
in institutions of literature, science, and taste, 
in Philadelphia. He died, after some years of 
delicate and infirm health, at the age of seventy- 
four, at Kentmere, in Delaware, that being the 
name given by him to the house which he built 
and occupied as his family residence. This name 
was derived from the legends and annals of the 
Gilpin family, in the north of England. It is 
stated, that about the year 120G, the Baron of 
Kendal gave to Richard de Guylpin, the ancestor, 
the manor of Kentmere, for his prowess and skill 
in killing a wild boar which had annoyed the 
forests of Westmoreland and Cumberland. 

Henry D. Gilpin was born in Lancaster, Eng- 



188 A MEMORIAL OF 

land, the bivtliplace of his amiable mother, who 
survives him at an advanced age. His birth took 
place April 14th, 1801; and his death January 
29tli, 1860. He was thus in his fifty-ninth year, or 
fifty-eight years, nine months and fifteen days old. 
In very early infancy he was brought (September, 
1801), to this country with the fomily, which re- 
mained here until the year 1811. They, then, all 
returned to England. He was placed at the 
school which has been mentioned, and derived 
from it good instruction, constitutional and habit- 
ual industry, and apt faculties, fondness for the 
languages of Greece and Rome, and advancement 
in an acquaintanceship with them; both of which 
were cultivated and improved during his life. In 
1816, they returned for a permanent residence to 
the United States. The subject of our memoir 
received his college instructions at the Universitv 
of Pennsylvania. After taking his degree tlicre, 
he entered upon the study of the law, and was 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 189 

admitted to practice in 1822; liaving, Avliile a stu- 
dent and under age, filled Avitli credit the place of 
Secretary of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal 
Company, of which he afterwards became one of 
the Directors. 

He was now a member of a learned profession, 
and prepared to engage in its duties and responsi- 
bilities. He did not, however, at any time plunge 
into the vortex of early professional life, to the 
extent and with the chances that are common. 
He appeared willing to abide his time; secure in 
the possession of sufficient abilities, great good 
feelings, amiable manners, and strict integrity. 
He made his way in due season, without having 
encountered what Mr. Gibbon considered it neces- 
sary to traverse under the spur of necessity, " the 
thorny labyrinths of the law." He was happy at 
all times in the friendship of those who could 
promote his interests, while they extended to him 
personal kindness; and he cultivated the regard of 



190 A MEMORIAL OF 

such individuals with benefit to his private rela- 
tions, and success in his public career. If he was 
favored with the smiles of fortune principally 
while eneraged in official life, he was always faith- 
ful and intelligent, as well as upright and laborious 
as a civil officer of the government. He held, in 
succession, several important places — District At- 
torney of the United States for the Eastern District 
of Pennsylvania (December 30tli, 1831), a second 
time (December 31st, 1835), Government Director 
of the Bank of the United States (January, 1833), 
Solicitor of the Treasury (May, 1837), Attorney- 
General (January, 1840). He was nominated for 
the post of Governor of Michigan, and rejected by 
the Senate (January 2()th, 1835) by a bare ma- 
jority. His nomination for the second term of 
Bank Director was rejected. That, also, of Dis- 
trict Attorney, for a second time, was at first re- 
jected, although on the renewal of it, confirmed. 
His political friends, and those, too, of a personal 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 191 

character, deemed these rejections to be owing to 
the state of party feeling, rather than to any doubt 
of fitness upon the part of the nominee. During 
a portion of the time of his official residence at 
Washington, the Commissioners under the Mexi- 
can Treaty met, and ^Ir. Gilpin represented, as an 
advocate, many of the largest claims that were 
adjudicated by the ]5oard. On these, respectively, 
he received a commission, which amounted in the 
whole to so considerable a sum as to become a 
broad foundation for the resources which he en- 
joyed and judiciously invested during life, and 
bequeathed in ample benevolence at his death. 

If public offices were filled by him with much 
direct and incidental pecuniary advantage, places 
of a social and municipal kind were occupied with 
like fidelity and no emolument. He was, for a 
considerable length of time, a Director, and after- 
wards President of the Pennsyhania Academy of 
the Fine Arts ; and was a Director and Vice-Presi- 



192 A MEMORIAL OF 

dent of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. 
He was elected a Trustee of the University of 
Pennsylvania December 7th, 1852, and presented 
his resignation April 6th, 1858, on account of the 
state of his health and engagements. He was 
elected by the Common Council a Director of the 
Girard College June 25th, 1856, to serve from the 
ensuing July 1st. In organizing the Board, he 
drew the two years term, and served "faithfully 
and acceptably" until the 1st of July, 1858, when 
his term of office expired. 

Discourses were delivered by him on various 
occasions. He was attached to the Democratic 
party, and not unfrcquently pronounced an address 
to bodies of the associate politicians, and occasion- 
ally to literary and other societies. Of these, the 
following have been preserved: — 



HENKY 1). GILPIX. 193 

182G, November 29th: xlnmial Discourse before the reiuisyl- 
vania Academy of the Fine Arts. 

1836, January 8th: Si)eecli at the Union and Harmony celebra- 
tion by Democratic citizens of Philadelphia. 

1836, July 4th: Speech at the Democratic celebration of the 
Second Congressional District. 

18-15, May 23d: Address before the Philomathean Society of the 
University of Pennsylvania. 

18-47, November 22d : Eulogy on Silas Wright, before the Young 
Men's Democratic Association. 

1851, June 2d: Address before the Academy of Fine Arts. 

1851, November 13th : Address before the Society of the Alumni, 
on the occasion of their annual celebration, at the Univer- 
sity. 

1856, October 13th: On the American Missions in Greece, at 
St. Luke's Church. 

1856, December 4th: Address on the Character of Franklin, 
before the Franklin Institute. 

The controversy between the Executive of the 
Government and the Bank of tlic United States 
took place when Mr. Gilpin was a public Director 
of that institution. It was carried on with zeal 
and acrimony, lie was the autlior of various 

21 



194 A MEMORIAL OF 

documents issued by the Government Directors, 
and particularly of a memorial addressed to Con- 
gress, in alleged vindication of his immediate col- 
leagues and himself, from an attack in the memo- 
rial of a majority of the Board, -which claimed a 
restoration of the deposites, withheld by orders of 
the Government. This memorable dispute was 
kept in active agitation for a considerable length 
of time. It left behind much bitterness of feel- 
ing, which has probably not been altogether as- 
suaged to the present day. 

At an early period of professional life he con- 
tributed frequently to the press. In the year 

1825 he undertook the editorship of the "Atlantic 
Souvenir," and wrote largely for its pages. In 

1826 he completed the "Biography of the Signers 
of the Declaration of Independence," by the pub- 
lication of the last three volumes. A new edition 
was soon prepared by him, with an original pre- 
face and manv additions. He was a frequent 



UENRY D. GILPIX. 195 

contributor to the "American Quarterly Review," 
which was established in Pliiladclpliia in the year 
1829. A scries of "Tolitical Portraits" will be 
found on the pages of the "Democratic Review," 
several of which are from his pen. Those of Ed- 
ward Livingston and Josiah Johnston are among 
them. A biographical notice, by him, of Mr, 
Livingston, is also among the many well written 
documents on the files of this Society. lie was 
authorized to superintend the publication, under 
the auspices of Congress, of the "Madison Pa- 
pers," and it was done with great skill and fidelity, 
in three volumes, 8vo., 1840. 

Shortly afterwards, the Opinions of the Attor- 
neys-General of the United States, previous to 
March, 1841, were published under his inspection. 

He was the Reporter of a volume of Cases de- 
cided by Judge Hopkinson, in the United States 
District Court for the District of Pennsylvania, 
published in 1837. 



196 A MEMORIAL OF 

He liacl compiled, in 1825, "A Xortliern Tour," 
being a guide to Saratoga, Lake George, Niagara, 
Canada, Boston, etc. etc. 

He edited the "Atlantic Souvenir," 7 vols. 
12mo., 1826-1832. 

An Autobiography of Walter Scott was com- 
piled from passages in his writings, published 
1831, 1 vol. 12mo. 

A verv earlv publication consisted of "Essavs 
on Import Duties and Prohibitions; translated 
from the French of Comte Chaptal, by Henry D. 
Gilpin," 1821. 

He was the author of a Preface to the Bio^-ra- 
phy of Xapoleon Bonaparte, by Sir Walter Scott. 
The first political piece written by him is be- 
lieved to have been A Memorial of Sundry Citi- 
zens of Pennsylvania, relative to the Treatment 
and Removal of the Indians. 

He prepared an Address of tlic Democratic 
Committee of Correspondence of Philadelphia in 



HEXRY 1). GILPIN. 197 

August, 1832; and in October of tliat year united 
with Judge Baldwin in an Address of the Demo- 
cratic Committee of Correspondence of tlie City 
of riiiladelpliia, relative to the Missionaries and 
the State of Georgia. 

He was jointly the author of a Report of the 
Debts and Effects of the Bank of the United 
States, and the Value of its Capital Stock on the 
3d of March, 1856. 

The Van Buren Executive Committee issued a 
Life of Martin Van Buren in Philadelphia, Janu- 
ary 5th, 1844, written by Mr. Gilpin. 

lie was the author of manv reviews of works 
of great variety — of History, Travels, Biography, 
Poetry, Discoveries, Annals, Law, etc. 

He was occasionally devoted to the poetic muse. 
Productions of his in verse are found in tlie "At- 
lantic Souvenir." 

Llis pen was prolific, and indulged itself in 
great variety. It drew freely from the resources 



198 A MEMORIAL OF 

of his own cultivated mind, and found ready illus- 
tration and support in the pages of a large library, 
by which his desk was surrounded. This love of 
literature and science was indulged of late years 
in occasional visits to the Astor Library, in New 
York, which is rapidly developing itself into one of 
tlie most valuable and interesting collections of the 
age. The learned superintendent of that institu- 
tion alwavs received him with the conircnial feel- 
ings of an instructed and inquiring intellect; and 
the kindest relations subsisted between them to 
the close of INIr. Gilpin's life. 

It was not until one of the later years of his 
career that he visited the home of his ancestors, 
and there met and made many friends. He trav- 
elled with his excellent wife on the continent of 
Europe, and penetrated into remoter regions of 
other sections of the world. He refreshed his 
knowledge of antiquity, whicli had been derived 
from books, by navigating tlie ancient Nile, and 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 199 

beholding the monuments of Egypt, which have 
stood amid the changes of mankind for thousands 
of years. AVhile in Europe, not only did tlie 
scenes of modern elegance attract his notice in 
the capitals of Britain, and France, and Prussia, 
and Germany, but Home became the object of 
especial and devoted study, not less than liberal 
enjoyment. Her classic exhibitions and memo- 
rials of the past, as well as her splendid displays 
of modern and ancient art combined in gorgeous 
pageantry, and all the solemn and magnificent 
exercises of an attractive and brilliant form of 
worship, were before him. Greece, too, the land 
of Xenophon and Homer, as well as of Plato and 
Socrates, of Solon and Lycurgus, of Themistocles 
and Leonidas, of Demosthenes and Pericles, of 
scholars and philosophers, and statesmen and le- 
gislators, of heroes and orators, was not trodden 
without a full measure of delight. 

He returned home and renewed his social and 



200 A MEMORIAL OF 

literary occupations. These were pursued for 
some few years with satisfaction and enjoyment. 
It was not long, however, before his health began 
to fiiil. A frame not constitutionally robust, and 
still unhappily sedentary during a great portion of 
the year, although relieved by occasional excur- 
sions, could scarcely fail to exhibit symptoms of 
diminished health. Some of his favorite habits 
of a public nature were restrained, as he thought, 
from mere inclination; but an insidious malady 
was gradually doing its fotal work almost without 
being self perceived. Strength failed him by de- 
grees, and he was compelled to deny himself the 
little bodily exercise, to the utility and past ne- 
glect of which he had at length become sensible. 
On the 29th of January his career was closed by 
the hand of death. His merits will be long pre- 
served in the recollection of his country and his 
many friends. 

Most men who have lived lives of usefulness 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 201 

and left distinguislied names, liave made them- 
selves remarkable for qualities more or less pecu- 
liarly adapted to a particular pursuit. They have 
either manifested early tendencies for vocation and 
success in their proper spheres, or have anxiously 
cultivated faculties adapted to them. While du- 
ties uncongenial to their habits, inclinations, or 
abilities may neither have been sought by them- 
selves nor selected for them by others, they have 
entered upon employments accidentally provided 
for them, with inadequate facility and force, al- 
though their general capacities may have been 
fully equal to them. Faculties will commonly 
take their own direction, and in that direction 
they are most like to excel. It might be supposed 
that talents wdiich would make a brilliant advocate, 
would shine in the office of a statesman, or in that 
which is prepared by the same course of study, of 
a judge. Such is not at all times the case. Dis- 
appointment is often felt by warm friends and 

22 



202 A MEMORIAL OF 

long standing admirers, not only at the beginning 
of the new career, which is always hard, according 
to the familiar adage, but in tlie progress, which 
does not become easy, or the result successful. A 
lesson of practical wisdom might be learned from 
daily observation, that should serve to caution 
against yielding to ambition or the desire of gain, 
by exchanging a position which time has rendered 
familiar, and proved to be well adapted to the 
holder of it, for one of uncertain and precarious 
enjoyment, and doubtful accomplishment. It was 
the happy disposition of our late fellow member, 
whose name vou desire to record with honor, to 
be suited not to one pursuit alone, but to many. 
AVe have seen that in his literary occupations, by 
which he becran to distinc^uish himself in earlv 
youth, and continued to do so throughout his life, 
he was happy as an eloquent and attractive writer, 
rendered especially so by his classic style. His 
professional habits were marked with an industry 



HENKY I). GILPIN. 2U3 

that knew and feared no exhaustion, and without 
which suhstantial reputation has rarely been at- 
tained. PoUtically, he was invited to discharge 
some of the most responsible trusts under the ge- 
neral government, and without the preliminary 
habits of legislative experience, he brought to them 
ample supplies of intellectual intelligence and 
practical fidelity. In social life he always bore 
an active and liberal part, mingling wdth the ame- 
nities of personal deportment, a w^ell conducted 
and generous hospitality. Throughout all these 
departments his classic stores gave him a never- 
failing standing and a general welcome in the 
most cultivated intercourse. Through the whole 
were diffused the grace and gentleness of a temper 
the most amiable, which was conspicuous in con- 
duct and manners, in business and in friendly 
association. ^Vhile a well-known integrity and 
kindness of purpose obtained for him respect and 
confidence alone; with aft'cction and esteem among 



20i A MEMORIAL OF H E X H ^' ]>. GILPIN. 



all who knew him, no one could be more gentle 
in carriage and kind in feeling in the closest rela- 
tions of domestic life. 



L E T T E II 8 



FROM 



MR. GEORGE GROTE AND MR. RICHARD COBDEX. 



FROM MR. GEORGE GROTE. 

London, Savilk Eow, June 5, ISOO. 
Sir: I regret much that I have been prevented 
by unavoidable obstacles from returning an earlier 
reply to your communication respecting our late 
lamented friend Mr. Henry D. Gilpin. 

It was with deep sorrow that I received the 
news of his (to mo at least) unexpected decease, 
at an age when an intellectual man may still fairly 
look forward to a prolonged career of usefulness. 
I had "contracted the most sincere esteem for his 
cliaracter, and very high admiration both for his 
varied acquirements and for his powerful reach of 
thouo-ht. He was kind enough to send me his 
historical and biographical publications, which 1 
read with much interest; and it was gratifying 
to me to perceive, by this as well as by other 



20S A MEMORIAL OF 

evidences, the ardor and intelligence witli whicli 
historical studies are now prosecuted in the United 
States. 

The combination in Mr. Gilpin's character, of 
the active statesman with the man of letters, was 
to me highly interesting. And what gave to his 
conversation a peculiar charm in my eyes, was the 
earnest sympathy which he manifested in reference 
to tlie ancient Greeks and their history. On this 
subject I found him highly instructed, and full of 
that classical enthusiasm which a study of the 
original Greek authors seldom fails to produce, in 
those who have had the good inspiration to perse- 
vere in it from boyhood to manhood witliout in- 
terruption. 

I am proud to have known so admirable a spe- 
cimen of a high principled republican citizen and 
magistrate, who has shown full competence to 
serve his country in the most trying political 
offices, but who, at the same time, always kept his 



HENRY 1) . G 1 L IM N . 209 

mind open to the noblest aspirations of cultivated 
humanity. 

I have a melancholy satisfaction in transmitting 
to you this sincere record of the affectionate re- 
spect which I felt towards our late friend. Mrs. 
Grote has written to Mrs. Gilpin, expressing, both 
in her own name and mine, our profound condo- 
lence for the sad and irreparable loss which she 
has sustained. 

I have the honor to remain, sir, 

Your obedient servant, 

GEORGE GROTE. 



23 



210 A MEMORIAL OF 



FROM MR. RICHARD COBDEN. 



Cannes, France, 28th Feb. 1860. 
My Dear Mrs. Gilpix: Mv wife and I have 
just heard, with the deepest sorrow, of the irre- 
parable loss you have sustained. It has not been 
to us a wholly unexpected event, for I had heard 
from Sir Henry Holland a very unfavorable ac- 
count when in London, in November, and which 
was confirmed by the reports which reached me 
through Mr. Corbin in Paris. You have indeed 
suffered a terrible bereavement in the loss of one 
possessing such high and such amiable qualities — 
and be assured that you have the stronsr sympathy 
of all who had the privilege of enjoying Mr. 
Gilpin's friendship, among whom I am proud to 
flatter myself tliat I was numbered. I can say 
without exaggeration, what I often remarked in 
his lifetime, that I never knew one who combined 



HENRY D. GILPIN. 211 

greater attractions of heart and head than lie dis- 
played to his wide circle of friends. How much 
more .must you be able to appreciate the extent of 
the loss which you and society have suffered. 

• ••••.... 

My wife joins me in the sincerest expressions 
of condolence, and we commend you to the care 
of Him from whom alone we can receive consola- 
tion and hope when all human sympathy is un- 
availins:. 

And believe me, most sincerely, yours, 

RICHARD COBDEX. 



N. 



FEB 23 1909 



LPFJL7P 



